HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - COMPLETE AGENDA - 08/25/2020 - WORK SESSIONCity of Fort Collins Page 1
Wade Troxell, Mayor Council Information Center (CIC)
Kristin Stephens, District 4, Mayor Pro Tem City Hall West
Susan Gutowsky, District 1 300 LaPorte Avenue
Julie Pignataro, District 2 Fort Collins, Colorado
Ken Summers, District 3
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Carrie Daggett Darin Atteberry Delynn Coldiron
City Attorney City Manager City Clerk
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City Council Work Session
August 25, 2020
6:00 PM
• CALL TO ORDER.
1. Housing Strategic Plan Update (staff: Lindsay Ex, Jackie Kozak-Theil, Caryn Champine, Meaghan
Overton; 15 minute presentation; 45 minute discussion)
The purpose of this Work Session is to:
1. Briefly summarize Fort Collins’ housing commitments and actions to date as well as the
challenges that remain;
2. Summarize the community feedback to date on the need for housing affordability, with an
emphasis on the work achieved by Home2Health over the past year;
3. Share the scope and work to date on the Housing Strategic Plan, including the draft vision for
the plan;
4. The initial scope of the Ad Hoc Committee; and
5. Share next steps.
2. Election Code Changes. (staff: Delynn Coldiron, Rita Knoll, Ryan Malarky; 15 minute
presentation, 45 minute discussion)
The purpose of this item is to discuss proposed amendments to the City’s election campaign Code
provisions.
City of Fort Collins Page 2
3. Parks & Recreation Master Plan (staff: Honore Depew, John Stokes, Kelly DiMartino; 15 minute
presentation; 45 minute discussion)
The purpose of this item is to seek feedback on specific draft sections of the Parks and Recreation
Master Plan, including policy recommendations, classifications for parks and recreational facilities,
and levels of service. An overview of the Master Plan process and findings to date will be presented
by Andrew Dobshinsky, Associate Planner with The Olin Studio.
• ANNOUNCEMENTS.
• ADJOURNMENT.
DATE:
STAFF:
August 25, 2020
Lindsay Ex, Interim Housing Manager
Jackie Kozak-Thiel, Chief Sustainability Officer
Caryn Champine, Director of PDT
Meaghan Overton, City Planner
WORK SESSION ITEM
City Council
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Housing Strategic Plan Update
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this Work Session is to:
1. Briefly summarize Fort Collins’ housing commitments and actions to date as well as the challenges that
remain;
2. Summarize the community feedback to date on the need for housing affordability, with an emphasis on the
work achieved by Home2Health over the past year;
3. Share the scope and work to date on the Housing Strategic Plan, including the draft vision for the plan;
4. The initial scope of the Ad Hoc Committee; and
5. Share next steps.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
What feedback do Councilmembers have on the following:
1. Draft vision for the Housing Strategic Plan?
2. Proposed community engagement plan?
3. Initial scope for the Ad Hoc Committee?
BACKGROUND
Housing Commitment
As outlined at the April 14, 2020 Work Session on Affordable Housing Priorities, the City developed its first
Affordable Housing Strategic Plan in 1999 to stimulate housing production for the City’s lowest wage earners
(under 80% of the area median income, or AMI). Last updated in 2014, the City’s Affordable Housing Strategic
Plan set forward ambitious goals to have 10% of the City’s housing inventory be affordable by City’s buildout,
which is anticipated to be in the next 20-25 years. A goal to increase the ratio from 5% to 6% was set for the term
of the Affordable Housing Strategic Plan, 2015-2019.
The Affordable Housing Strategic Plan is bolstered by a significant commitment to addressing housing
affordability in many community plans and policies, including but not limited to the following:
Affordable Housing Redevelopment Displacement
Mitigation Strategy (2013)
Council Priorities (2019-2021)
Housing Affordability Policy Study (2014) City Strategic Plan (2020)
Affordable Housing Strategic Plan (2015) Additional efforts underway:
Social Sustainability Strategic Plan (2016) o Home2Health (2019-2021)
City Plan (2019) o Our Climate Future (2019-2021)
As a City and with our community partners, these plans and policies are backed by interdependent regulatory,
partnership and investment solutions including, but not limited to, the following:
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• Regulatory - Reduced the minimum house size required by the Land Use Code; manufactured housing zone
established; and metropolitan district policy review underway.
• Partnerships - Saw the completion of Fort Collins’ first permanent supportive housing project by Housing
Catalyst at Redtail Ponds, with Mason Place on track for opening in December 2020; solidified important new
partnerships such as Elevations Community Land Trust.
• Investments - Ongoing efforts, such as investing between $1.5 - $3 million annually via the competitive
process; secured $4 million over ten years via the Affordable Housing Capital Fund (CCIP); activated the
Land Bank program resulting in 96 new permanently affordable rental units and adding a new five acre land
bank parcel; and continuous improvement of assessing opportunities to adapt and expand incentives for
affordable housing specifically.
More information about the City’s affordable housing efforts can be found at the Social Sustainability webpage.
Challenges Remain
While significant progress has been made (373 homes added in the last 5 years with 248 under construction),
Fort Collins is still short of our overall affordable housing goal (need approximately 300 units per year to hit the
overall goal of 10% of units affordable by 2040).
At the same time, the gap between median income and median home price is widening - making housing
affordability for all residents a challenge. As with many cities across the nation and globally, Fort Collins is
experiencing a lack of availability of "missing middle" housing options (range of housing types) and a lack of
affordable housing options for moderate-income residents (80-120% AMI).
Further, the most recent Social Sustainability Gaps Analysis (2020) highlights the following housing affordability
challenges in Fort Collins:
• There are 7,000 homeowners (21% of all owners) in Fort Collins that cannot afford their monthly housing
costs. In addition, renters wanting to buy have very few options in the market until they earn around $75,000
per year and can afford homes priced at $280,000 or higher.
• Between 2012-2018, Fort Collins renter households earning less than $25,000 decreased by nearly 3,000
households, while households earning more than $75,000 increased by nearly 4,000 households.
o 8,790 renters in Fort Collins earn less than $25,000 (4,090 excluding student households) with only 1,525
units that are affordable - meaning there is a 7,265-unit gap.
o This points out a mismatch in the cost of rental inventory in the City to the area median incomes of renter
households. Many people are rent burdened meaning they are paying more than 30% - or sometimes
more than 50% of their income on housing costs.
• 60% of homebuyers who participated in N2N’s homebuyer education program purchased a home outside of
the City.
• There are higher poverty rates for all communities of color in Fort Collins and lower median incomes for
African American and Hispanic residents.
• In addition, while more challenging to quantify, there is a significant need for more accessible units in Fort
Collins for residents with ambulatory disabilities.
Still, while Northern Colorado is attracting people and developers are responding, most multifamily production is
market rate. Competition has increased for affordable housing developers for land, required subsidy and funding
programs like low income housing tax credits. Some of these challenges must be addressed at the state or
federal level.
This sampling of data points, and the feedback from the community below, highlight why new and innovative
strategies and approaches are needed to address housing affordability in Fort Collins.
Housing Affordability as a Key Community Priority - Community Feedback to Date
In addition to the data shared above, community members regularly identify housing affordability as a top priority
for action in citywide engagement efforts. Home2Health engagement has further clarified where we need to focus
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for the Housing Strategic Plan. A summary of what the community has shared is summarized below and is
illustrated in more detail in the Community Engagement Summary. (Attachment 1)
Community Survey Results (2019)
In the most recent annual Community Survey (2019), availability of affordable quality housing was the lowest
rated characteristic of our community. Only 12% of respondents rated the availability of affordable quality housing
as ‘very good’ or ‘good,’ which is lower than both national and Front Range benchmark data. The same survey
also asked residents to identify in their own words the one item or focus area the City should improve upon in the
next few years, and 20% of respondents who provided a written answer cited housing affordability in their
feedback.
City Plan Engagement (2018-2019)
During the extensive engagement effort for the most recent update to City Plan - which included thousands of
residents, more than 175 public events, and countless Plan Ambassador and Community Partner hours of small-
group meetings - housing affordability was frequently mentioned as a high priority for the future of Fort Collins,
including the following:
• City Plan kickoff (400+ participants) - “housing access” identified as the highest priority focus
• Visioning (769 participants) - When asked what should be prioritized in the City Plan vision, “housing choices,
attainability, and affordability” was most frequently mentioned
• Scenarios (1022 participants) - In general, 77.2% of respondents were open to “moderate” or “big” changes to
improve housing attainability and provide more housing choices. Community members also supported a
greater diversity of housing types in future neighborhoods (74.2%) and in existing neighborhoods (58.7%).
Home2Health Engagement (2019-2021)
Home2Health is a two-year, grant-funded project built around partnerships, community dialogue, and capacity
building to ensure that the voices and ideas of community members who are experiencing the day-to-day reality
of housing instability can shape the policy decisions we make. Over the last year, Home2Health has built on the
City's foundation of previous engagement to further identify the key housing issues to address in the Housing
Strategic Plan.
Who participated?
Approximately 500 people have participated in Home2Health engagement over the last year. Demographics
collected at events show engagement and recruitment led by Home2Health Community Partners have helped
reach a more representative group of people than typical City-led events. The partnership-based approach is
successfully closing persistent engagement gaps that have been identified in previous City-led efforts. By building
partnerships centered in equity and focused on capacity-building, Home2Health is reaching more Spanish-
speaking residents, renters, and residents who make less than $50,000/year. Examples include the following:
• About 40% of participants in partner-led engagement were renters.
• 60% of Health Impact Assessment questionnaires were completed in Spanish.
• 68% of Community Guide participants reported making $50,000 or less a year.
What did we hear?
• Affordable, Stable Housing: Partners reported many residents have had to choose between healthcare,
housing, and other necessities like food or paying bills. Increases in rent, costs of home maintenance/repair,
and high cost of housing compared to income were main themes. This feedback is bolstered by the fact that
an estimated 17,300 households in Fort Collins are renting apartments or homes that they cannot afford
(Social Sustainability Gaps Analysis, 2020).
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“When you lack affordable housing, it causes a lot of stress for the individual. Do I have enough money for
rent, for food, for medicine, and for gas? You keep making trade-offs. [If] I pay for rent, I don't buy food or
don't get medicine.” - Community Guide Participant
• Healthy Housing: Living conditions that are detrimental to health and well-being, including persistent
problems with pests or mold, deferred home maintenance, and feeling unsafe, were all mentioned related to
the quality of housing in Fort Collins. Participants also emphasized the importance of social elements of
housing for overall health (e.g. community, neighborhood). The quality of the built environment was another
key element of healthy housing identified by participants. This quality includes the ability to live close to work
or school, access to amenities, proximity to transit and ability to bike, which is a key element of City Plan
(more below).
“I am concerned about our community wanting to continue to open businesses that rely on usually low-wage
workers like restaurants or coffee shops but not building enough housing that they can afford. Our housing
stock is forcing folks to commute to Fort Collins which cuts into the time they could spend
cooking/exercising/spending time with family, etc.” - Community Guide Participant
• Housing Choices and Supply: People noted housing availability is limited in Fort Collins, which is
consistent with prior feedback. Older adults interested in downsizing to smaller, accessible units
expressed concern they would not be able to find appropriate housing in their price ranges. Additional
housing options, including accessory dwelling units, could help older adults age-in-place or move to
housing that could help them remain independent. Similarly, younger people who were renting identified
there are not many affordable options on the market for renters wanting to move or buy their first homes.
• Desire for Listening and Concrete Action: Participants were eager to see changes to
policies/programs and tangible actions. Participants indicated a desire to be heard and for local
government to take residents’ concerns who experience housing challenges more seriously.
“Make it easier for lower-income people to voice their concerns. Many of us work two plus jobs and have
families, so it is impossible to attend meetings. More importantly, find a way for city leaders to take
these concerns seriously. Most of us poor people are discouraged from the conversation because we
are not listened to anyways.” - Community Guide participant
How did we engage?
Consistent with Council’s priority to Reimagine Community Engagement, and as highlighted at the August 11
Work Session, Home2Health has designed an engagement strategy that invites community participation in new
ways. (Attachment 1)
• Community Guide Meetings in partnership with Center for Public Deliberation (8 guides, reached ~100
people)
• A Health Impact Assessment Questionnaire administered in partnership with Larimer County Health
Department Built Environment Group (115 respondents)
• Implementing a Language Justice model for the Family Leadership Training Institute’s 20-week civic
leadership curriculum.
HOUSING STRATEGIC PLAN
Scope
Given the significant number of community conversations and feedback surrounding the need to address housing
affordability in Fort Collins as a key community priority, this planning effort is well-positioned to move quickly.
Accordingly, staff has outlined the following key milestones for the planning effort, with the goal to bring forward
the Housing Strategic Plan to Council for adoption consideration in February 2021:
• Vision (August/September): Draft vision for achieving housing affordability in the community - more below.
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• Existing Conditions (September): Summarizes the “state of housing” in Fort Collins and sets the stage for
more targeted goals, strategies, and priorities to achieve the vision.
• Goals, Strategies, and Guiding Principles (Fall): Strategy identification and prioritization to achieve the vision.
It is important to note the Housing Strategic Plan will include the entire housing spectrum. Accordingly, some
strategies will work across the entire spectrum whereas others may be targeted to specific needs (e.g.,
affordable housing or homelessness prevention). This will be further explored this fall. Guiding principles will
be developed and used to evaluate how strategies are selected, decisions are made, and implementation
takes place.
• Draft Plan (January 2021): Draft plan available for community review and input.
• Final Plan (February 2021): Tentatively scheduled for February 16, 2021 Council consideration.
• Implementation Plan (Spring 2021): 3-month process to move from an overarching plan to detailed actions for
the next 1-3 years.
Overarching Vision
As noted above, the first step in the Housing Strategic Plan process is to establish a universal vision that will
guide the selection and prioritization of strategies for the Plan. Based on the extensive community feedback and
engagement to date, staff has drafted a vision for the Plan:
Draft Vision: Everyone has stable and healthy housing they can afford.
This vision incorporates community feedback and aligns with existing policy direction:
• Housing stability: As noted above, stable housing is a critical precursor for quality of life and well-being.
Housing stability is central to the best-practice “Housing First” approach to homelessness prevention, which
recognizes that housing is the most important platform for pursuing all other life goals. (see Homeward 2020’s
work on this initiative)
o City Plan alignment: Principle LIV 6 “Improve Access to housing that meets the needs of residents
regardless of their race, ethnicity, income, age, ability or background.”
• Healthy housing: The importance of high quality, safe housing situated in walkable neighborhoods is a
critical piece of feedback community members have shared. This aspect of the vision builds on the City’s
commitment to supporting healthy housing via programs such as Healthy Homes and the Home2Health
efforts outlined above.
o City Plan Alignment: This statement aligns with principles in every Strategic Outcome area. Selected
examples include the following:
▪ Principle LIV 4 “Enhance neighborhood livability”
▪ Principle EH 6 “Support the development of a skilled and qualified workforce that is well connected
to employment opportunities in the city and region”
▪ Principle T 9 “Utilize the transportation system to support a healthy and equitable community”
▪ Policy ENV 4 “Protect human health and the environment by continually improving air quality.”
• Housing community members can afford: Recognizes the affordability challenges community members
face in Fort Collins and that increasing the range of options that meet people’s needs can support greater
choice and affordability.
o City Plan Alignment: Principle LIV 5 “Create more opportunities for housing choices.”
Additional Community Engagement since May
In addition to the extensive community engagement through Home2Health and other efforts noted above, staff
has engaged the following entities thus far on the Housing Strategic Plan since May:
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Affordable Housing Board Mi Voz
Board of Realtors Government Affairs Committee Neighbor 2 Neighbor
CARE Housing, Inc. NoCo Housing Now
Chamber LLAC North Fort Collins Business Association
City Staff Our Climate Future - Affordable Housing Workshops
Habitat for Humanity Peer cities
Home2Health Core Team Planning and Zoning Board
Housing Catalyst Many community members
Building upon the themes and feedback provided prior to the start of the Housing Strategic Plan, conversations
focused on what this plan “must do” and what success would look like. Feedback included the following:
• Be Community Centered and Remove Barriers
o Partnerships: Achieving housing affordability requires more than local government - all partners will be
needed.
o Engage with those who are most impacted: Though everyone is impacted by housing affordability, this
process should actively seek to engage those who are impacted most and remove barriers to
participation.
o Equity in process and outcomes (clear commitment): Community members asked for a clear
commitment that this Plan will lead with equity, both in process (meaningful engagement) and outcomes
(ensuring all community members benefit).
o Identify innovative and disruptive actions and approaches: In addition to scaling up action, we need to
act differently and challenge how things have always been done to achieve more equitable outcomes
that advance the overall vision.
o Clearly communicate to multiple audiences: Like breaking down barriers, ensuring that all
communication materials are accessible - both from a language and cultural perspective and by
eliminating “government speak” and jargon.
• Be Specific, Quantifiable, and Achievable
o Establish goals, timelines, and accountability tools - be agile: The planning process and final priorities
will need to be adaptive to an ever-evolving environment and economy. Establishing accountability tools
to support assessment of whether progress is on or off track is critical.
o Establish specific housing priorities & financial picture: There are not enough resources to do everything
- identify and articulate priorities and what it will take to deliver on these goals, including from a financial
perspective.
o Role definition for the City and partners: Be clear on the role local government plays in delivering on the
goals, e.g., regulatory, policy, and investment tools, and where partners are needed.
• Focus on systems and alignment - locally and beyond
o Recognize housing is interconnected with all systems/outcomes: As noted from the community - housing
is stability, housing is health, housing is connected to everything. Recognize and acknowledge the
interplay of these systems in all solutions.
o Align with community goals, plans, and City Plan - and build off their engagement: This is not a new
conversation in Fort Collins - build off prior engagement and input for this planning effort.
o Begin regional strategy: Leverage this plan as an early step toward addressing housing affordability
beyond Fort Collins’ boundaries.
Staff continues to identify stakeholder and community members to engage with on the Housing Strategic Plan.
Community engagement will also take place at key planning milestones and will be integrated with Home2Health,
see attached Engagement Plan for more information. (Attachment 2)
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Ad Hoc Council Committee
At the July 21, 2020 Council meeting, Council adopted Resolution 2020-068 establishing the Ad Hoc Committee
to support the development of the Housing Strategic Plan. The Committee will begin meeting this August and
continue through April 2021 per the Resolution. A website for the committee has been established that will include
agendas, meeting minutes, and community participation information.
Given the first meeting is scheduled for August 20, a read-before memo is planned for the August 25 Work
Session that shares meeting highlights, including the initial scope outline for the Committee’s work.
Next Steps
• Ad Hoc Committee to meet approximately monthly thru April 2021.
• Community engagement September through November on the draft vision, goals, strategy identification, and
guiding principles discussion. Additional information is outlined in the Engagement Plan. (Attachment 2)
• A Work Session scheduled for December 8 will tentatively focus on the goals, strategies, and guiding
principles that will support the overall plan, as well as a plan outline.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Home2Health - Year One Engagement Summary (PDF)
2. Housing Strategic Plan / Home2Health Community Engagement Plan- Year Two (PDF)
3. Powerpoint Presentation (PDF)
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Community Engagement Summary – Year 1
July 2019-June 2020
1
Housing Affordability as a Key Community Priority – Community Feedback to Date
Home2Health engagement in year one was built on a strong foundation of community input from recent
citywide efforts including Fort Collins’ annual Community Survey and City Plan engagement conducted in
2018-2019. In both the Community Survey and City Plan, community members regularly identify housing
affordability as a top priority for action. Home2Health engagement has further clarified where the City and
its partners should focus for the Housing Strategic Plan and related housing policy decisions. A summary
of what the community has shared is summarized below.
Community Survey Results (2019)
In Fort Collins’ most recent annual Community Survey (2019), the availability of affordable quality housing
was the lowest rated characteristic of our community. Only 12% of respondents rated the availability of
affordable quality housing as ‘very good’ or ‘good,’ which is lower than both national and Front Range
benchmark data. The same survey also included a question asking residents to identify in their own
words the one item or focus area the City should improve upon in the next few years. Of the survey
participants who provided a written answer, housing affordability in the City topped the list, with 20%
providing a relevant comment.
City Plan Engagement (2018-2019)
During the extensive engagement effort for the most recent update to City Plan – which included
thousands of residents, more than 175 public events, and countless Plan Ambassador and Community
Partner hours of small-group meetings – housing affordability was frequently mentioned as a high
priority for the future of Fort Collins.
• City Plan kickoff (400+ participants) - “housing access” identified as the highest priority focus
• City Plan Visioning (769 participants) - When asked what should be prioritized in the City Plan
vision, “housing choices, attainability, and affordability” was most frequently mentioned
• City Plan Scenarios (1022 participants) - In general, 77.2% of respondents were open to
“moderate” or “big” changes to improve housing attainability and provide more housing
choices. Community members also supported a greater diversity of housing types in future
neighborhoods (74.2%) and in existing neighborhoods (58.7%).
Home2Health (2019-2021) – Building on What We’ve Heard
Home2Health is a two-year, grant-funded project led by the City of Fort Collins and community partners -
The Family Leadership Training Institute at CSU Extension, the Center for Public Deliberation at
CSU, The Family Center/La Familia, and the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment. The
project is built around partnerships, community dialogue, and capacity building to ensure that the voices
and ideas of community members who are experiencing the day-to-day reality of housing
instability can shape the policy decisions we make.
Over the last year, Home2Health has built on the City's foundation of previous engagement to further
identify the key housing issues to address in the Housing Strategic Plan. We know that housing
affordability and housing choices are top priorities for community members, but what specific challenges
are people facing with housing in Fort Collins?
Who participated?
Approximately 500 people have participated in Home2Health engagement over the last
year. Demographics collected at Home2Health events show that engagement and recruitment led by
Home2Health Community Partners have helped reach a more representative group of people than typical
City-led events1. Home2Health’s partnership-based approach is successfully closing persistent
engagement gaps that have been identified in previous City-led efforts. By building partnerships that are
centered in equity and focused on capacity-building, Home2Health is reaching more Spanish-speaking
residents, renters, and residents who make less than $50,000/year.
1 Note: While every effort is made to collect comprehensive data, some participants chose not to provide
demographic information.
ATTACHMENT 1
1.1
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Attachment: Home2Health - Year One Engagement Summary (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
Community Engagement Summary – Year 1
July 2019-June 2020
2
• Examples:
o About 40% of participants in partner-led engagement were renters
o 60% of HIA questionnaires were completed in Spanish
o 68% of Community Guide participants reported making $50,000 or less a year
What did we hear?
• Affordable, Stable Housing: Partners reported than many residents have had to choose
between healthcare, housing, and other necessities like food or paying bills. Increases in rent,
costs of home maintenance/repair, and the high cost of housing compared to income were main
themes in this topic area. When asked how much they spent on housing costs, 75% of
respondents to the Health Impact Assessment Questionnaire reported spending 40% or more of
their income on housing, indicating that cost burden is a serious concern. Hispanic/Latinx
respondents were more likely to report spending too much for housing – 59% of
Hispanic/Latinx respondents reported spending 50% or more of their income on housing. Most
often, participants discussed the mental health/stress impacts of unaffordable housing or frequent
moving when asked how affordable, stable housing is connected to health.
“When you lack affordable housing, it causes a lot of stress for the individual. Do
I have enough money for rent, for food, for medicine, and for gas? You keep
making trade-offs. [If] I pay for rent, I don't buy food or don't get medicine.” -
Community Guide Participant
• Healthy Housing: Living conditions that are detrimental to health and well-being, including
persistent problems with pests or mold, deferred home maintenance, and feeling unsafe, were all
mentioned as issues related the quality of housing in Fort Collins. Renters were more likely to
identify chronic, unresolved issues with the quality of their housing, while homeowners expressed
concern about being able to afford home repairs and maintenance costs. Some participants
emphasized the social elements of housing (community, neighborhood), the importance
of nearby amenities and recreation for physical health, and ability to live close to work or school
as important elements of healthy housing.
“I am concerned about our community wanting to continue to open businesses
that rely on usually low-wage workers like restaurants or coffee shops but not
building enough housing that they can afford. Our housing stock is forcing folks
to commute to Fort Collins which cuts into the time they could spend
cooking/exercising/spending time with family, etc.” - Community Guide
Participant
• Housing Choices and Supply: People who participated in Home2Health events noted that
housing availability is limited in Fort Collins, which is consistent with prior feedback received in
City Plan efforts. Older adults interested in downsizing to smaller, accessible units expressed
concern that they would not be able to find appropriate housing in their price ranges. All of the 20
participants in focus groups led by the Partnership for Age-Friendly Communities indicated a
desire for more accessible features in housing (e.g. stepless entry, stepless showers) to help
older adults age-in-place or move to housing that could help them
remain independent. Similarly, younger people who were renting identified that there are not
many affordable options on the market for renters wanting to move or buy their first
homes. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and smaller, more affordable houses were mentioned
as housing choices that should be encouraged.
• Desire for Listening and Concrete Action: Participants were eager to see changes to
policies/programs and tangible actions. There is a sense that Fort Collins has been discussing
housing affordability for a long time, and that the need for affordable, stable, healthy housing is
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Attachment: Home2Health - Year One Engagement Summary (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
Community Engagement Summary – Year 1
July 2019-June 2020
3
clear. Home2Health participants indicated a desire to be heard and for local government to take
the concerns of residents who experience housing challenges more seriously:
“Make it easier for lower-income people to voice their concerns. Many of us work
two plus jobs and have families, so it is impossible to attend meetings. More
importantly, find a way for city leaders to take these concerns seriously. Most of
us poor people are discouraged from the conversation because we are not
listened to anyways.”
- Community Guide participant
How did we engage?
Consistent with City Council’s priority to Reimagine Community Engagement, and as highlighted at the
August 11 Work Session, Home2Health has designed an engagement strategy that invites community
participation in new ways:
• Community-led engagement and storytelling
o Community Guide Meetings in partnership with Center for Public Deliberation (8 guides,
reached ~100 people)
o Home2Health Public Events (~250 participants)
o Overall focus on community-led discussion and bringing content/context experts to the
table together
o Storytelling to help people see that housing and health issues are shared by all kinds of
people who live in our community
• Community partnerships to build trust and deepen connections
o Working with and providing funding to community organizations to help reach and build
relationships with historically underrepresented groups
o Partnered with Larimer County Health Department Built Environment Group to develop
and administer the Health Impact Assessment Questionnaire (115 respondents)
o Partnered with the Partnership for Age-Friendly Communities for Older Adult Focus
Groups (20 participants)
• Removing barriers to participation
o Partnering with the Family Leadership Training Institute to implement a Language
Justice2 model for their 20-week civic leadership curriculum
o Raising the bar and setting a new standard for City-led events: Consistent with Our
Climate Future and other recent planning efforts, Home2Health
provides Language Justice interpretation and translation, childcare, and food as
standard, not just when requested
• Leading engagement with a “Plan and Do” mentality
o Strategic Doing – small groups who identify a project to work on together with the
resources and assets they already have
What’s next?
• Additional Community Guide recruitment and meetings. Trainings and materials, including all
Housing Strategic Plan materials, will continue to be fully available in both English and Spanish.
2 Language justice is a best-practice approach to building and sustaining multilingual spaces in our organizations so
that everyone’s voice can be heard both as an individual and as part of a diversity of communities and cultures.
Valuing language justice means recognizing the social and political dimensions of language and language access,
while working to dismantle language barriers, equalize power dynamics, and build strong communities for social
and racial justice.
1.1
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Attachment: Home2Health - Year One Engagement Summary (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
Community Engagement Summary – Year 1
July 2019-June 2020
4
• More education, storytelling, and capacity building to help people discuss complex housing topics
and strategies
• Policy 101 at every event and discussion
• More Language Justice for public events of all kinds
• Continued focus on partnerships, centered in equity – so all voices can be included in dialogue
and decision-making
1.1
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Attachment: Home2Health - Year One Engagement Summary (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
1
HOME2HEALTH AND HOUSING STRATEGIC PLAN:
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT PLAN
PROJECT TITLE: HOME2HEALTH AND HOUSING STRATEGIC PLAN
FUNDING SOURCE: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) Health Disparities
Grant Program (HDGP)
OVERALL PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT LEVEL: Involve/Collaborate
The City of Fort Collins Public Engagement Spectrum provides guidance for the most appropriate levels of
engagement and techniques that may be employed during Home2Health. Overall, staff has identified the
“involve” and “collaborate” levels as the most effective approach to community engagement for this project.
PROJECT PURPOSE:
Through this process the City of Fort Collins aims to decrease unnecessary health burdens linked to a lack of
housing stability and affordability through a comprehensive design that results in the adoption of both land
use regulations and housing policies that intentionally prioritize health equity. This project is designed to
broaden the conversation about housing affordability in Fort Collins to include the voices and ideas of the
people in our community who are experiencing the day-to-day reality of housing instability.
DRAFT VISION:
Everyone has stable, healthy housing they can afford.
BOTTOM LINE QUESTIONS:
Who is not able to achieve stable, healthy housing – and why?
What do we need to change to achieve our housing vision for everyone in Fort Collins?
Who has the ability to make those changes?
And, which changes should we make first?
ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY:
The engagement strategy for Home2Health will bring City and community stakeholders together to
recommend critical updates to Fort Collins’ housing policies and regulations, with a specific focus on
acknowledging and addressing inequities in our community. Engagement will focus on strategic outreach and
communication to three primary groups of stakeholders: City leadership, City staff, and the broader
community.
Home2Health will continue to focus on how to inform and educate each of these groups on current housing
affordability and health equity issues (“existing conditions”) facing Fort Collins through early fall 2020. In
alignment with the update to the Housing Strategic Plan, engagement will shift toward collaborative
techniques to solicit input and feedback about the vision and goals of the Housing Strategic Plan, evaluation
of potential policy and land use changes, and prioritizing solutions in late fall and winter.
City Leadership – Staff will utilize Council Work Sessions, meetings of the Council Ad Hoc Committee,
presentations to Boards and Commissions, input from the Affordable Housing Executive Team, regular
memoranda, and stakeholder conversations with cross-sector leaders in the community to keep City
Leadership engaged in the community dialogue around housing stability, health, and affordability. A key
emphasis will be clearly communicating to City Leadership about who we are reaching through our
engagement efforts, what we are hearing, and how engagement is connected to the development of the
Housing Strategic Plan.
City Staff – Staff will focus on how to encourage City staff’s participation in the conversations and process.
Staff will prioritize partnering with existing City programs to reach City staff. Engagement opportunities
ATTACHMENT 2
1.2
Packet Pg. 14
Attachment: Housing Strategic Plan / Home2Health Community Engagement Plan- Year Two (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
2
could include lunch-and-learn sessions, questionnaires sent to City employees, training materials for managers
to use at staff meetings, and “road-show” presentations about Home2Health and the Housing Strategic Plan.
Broader Community – Staff will reach those most impacted by housing affordability and health equity issues
through both City-sponsored engagement opportunities and engagement through community partner
organizations. The goal of community-wide engagement through Home2Health is to understand what these
issues mean to residents and stakeholders in the context of their lived experience. This critical feedback will
be integrated into community dialogue about how to prioritize solutions to our citywide housing challenges.
Staff will also focus on how to clearly communicate ways for the broader community to play a role
throughout the process. Engagement techniques may include focus groups, community issues forums, Community
Guide meetings, expert panel discussions, Policy 101 educational information, online questionnaires, and
deliberative workshops.
All engagement efforts will be closely aligned with the development of the Housing Strategic Plan.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Develop the capacity of City staff and cross-sector partners to more fully understand their role in
housing policy, support an equity-centered approach, and articulate the linkages between land use,
housing policy, economics/affordability, and health.
2. Improve leadership understanding and capacity for action around health equity and housing
affordability.
3. Improve community capacity to participate in policy processes and collaborate with local
(City/County) government on housing affordability and health issues.
4. Identify and prioritize specific policies and land use changes that could address existing inequities
and housing challenges and document these priorities in the Housing Strategic Plan.
5. Build community support through collaborative discussions about prioritizing land use and policy
solutions.
KEY STAKEHOLDERS:
Project Teams:
Home2Health Core Team
• City Staff including Planning, Social
Sustainability, CPIO, and Environmental
Services (Healthy Homes)
• The Family Leadership Training Institute
(FLTI)
• Colorado State University (CSU)
Extension
• Larimer County Department of Health
and Environment (LCDHE)
• Center for Public Deliberation (CPD) at
Colorado State University (CSU)
• The Family Center/La Familia (TFC)
• Partnership for Age-Friendly
Communities (PAFC)
• Other community partner organizations
as identified through stakeholder
analysis
Housing Strategic Plan Core Team
• A cross-departmental group of City staff tasked with completion of the Housing Strategic Plan.
Departments represented will include Planning, Social Sustainability, Economic Health, Neighborhood
Services, Finance, Environmental Health, Historic Preservation, and others as identified.
1.2
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Attachment: Housing Strategic Plan / Home2Health Community Engagement Plan- Year Two (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
3
Advisory Groups:
• Internal Affordable Housing Task Force
• Affordable Housing Executive Team
• Ad Hoc Council Committee
Decision-Makers:
• City Council
• Primary Boards and Commissions
o Planning & Zoning Board
o Affordable Housing Board
• Supporting Boards and Commissions
o Commission on
Disability
o Downtown
Development
Authority
o Economic Advisory
Commission (EAC)
o Housing Catalyst
o Landmark
Preservation
Commission
o Parking Advisory
Board
o Senior Advisory
Board
o Transportation
Board
o Water Board
o Youth Advisory
Commission
Key Stakeholder Groups to Engage:
Note: Stakeholder analysis completed by the Home2Health and Housing Strategic Plan core teams will
further inform this list.
• PDT Leadership
Team (PDT) or
CDNS Lead Team
(CDNS)
• Social
Sustainability
Service Area
• Utilities Senior
Staff
• Larimer County
Affordable
Housing Group
• Residents, both
property owners
and renters
• Affordable
Housing
Developers
• Business
Associations
• Downtown
Development
Authority
• Chamber of
Commerce
• Board of Realtors
4
OVERVIEW OF KEY ENGAGEMENT TECHNIQUES
Strategic Doing Groups:
Strategic Doing™ is a community action platform designed to strengthen social networks in community for
collaboration. The first Strategic Doing workshop, hosted January 27th, gave participants an opportunity to
connect with others who were interested in working on community projects together by forming collaborations
quickly, moving them toward measurable outcomes and making adjustments along the way. At the end of the
workshop, each group left with an identified project they would be working on together over the course of
the next few months. The commitment was 2 hours a month (1 hour meeting and 1 hour outside of the monthly
meeting) for 9 months. These groups will conclude their projects in September of 2020.
Community Guides:
With the help of the Home2Health Core Team, the Center for Public Deliberation solicited community
members who were interested in hosting conversations on issues related to housing and health equity.
Community Guides completed a brief application and attended two training sessions that prepared them to
conduct and facilitate conversations within their own communities utilizing a common questionnaire. They then
hosted conversations in their own communities. Generally, these were small group conversations with members
of similar communities, though on occasion these were conducted in a one-on-one setting. Phase one of the
Community Guides program was completed in year one and phase two of the program is currently
underway.
Technical Working Groups:
For specific topic areas technical working groups may be formed to guide the development of Home2Health.
The working groups will consist of technical specialists, City staff, and key stakeholders relevant to each topic
area. The groups will be led and facilitated by a member of the Home2Health core team. These groups will
be formed as needed to help guide the development of the Housing Strategic Plan and other health and
housing initiatives.
TARGET POPULATIONS:
The target populations for this program are lower- and moderate-income (up to 120% of Area Median
Income) residents who spend more than 30% of their income on housing and residents who experience
disparate (worse than the community as a whole) health outcomes. For this outreach process to be successful, it
is key that these populations play an integral role throughout the community engagement process. Trust-
building, capacity building, and working closely with cultural brokers and partner organizations will all be
critical to reaching the target populations for this project.
GOALS:
1. Home2Health participants (both online and in-person) are representative of the Fort Collins
community’s geographic, ethnic, age, income, and other demographic distributions.
2. Data collection is an integrated part of every engagement strategy such as public meetings, online
surveys, social media, etc. Data evaluations will be completed each quarter.
• Data collection should include the following:
i. Income level
ii. Percent of income
spent on housing
iii. Homeowner or renter
iv. Race and ethnicity
v. Zipcode
1.2
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Attachment: Housing Strategic Plan / Home2Health Community Engagement Plan- Year Two (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
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3. The Home2Health core team and community partners are building relationships with local community
groups and individuals that have connections with harder to reach demographics.
• Outreach materials will be translated into Spanish whenever possible, and at minimum will include
instructions in Spanish for contacting the City for translation support or more information on the
project.
• Spanish or language justice interpretation will be provided at key public meetings via headsets.
• Child care will also be provided at key public meetings.
4. The Home2Health core team is regularly measuring and checking who we are reaching and taking steps to
improve the equity of our engagement.
SUCCESS:
1. The engagement process will be successful if we interact with City leadership, City staff and a
representative group of community members throughout the planning process and specifically engage
traditionally underrepresented groups (low-income residents, seniors, youth, Spanish-speaking residents,
etc.).
2. The engagement process will be successful if potential housing policy and regulatory solutions are
prioritized through authentic City and community engagement processes.
3. The engagement process will be successful if cross sector partnerships result in an increased capacity for
community-led engagement and community-directed action.
4. The engagement process will be successful if participants can clearly see how their involvement and input
shaped the policies and recommended actions in the Housing Strategic Plan.
1.2
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Attachment: Housing Strategic Plan / Home2Health Community Engagement Plan- Year Two (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
6
DETAILED PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT PLAN – HOME2HEALTH YEAR 2
This working Public Engagement Plan is intended to be revised and updated periodically throughout the planning
process.
Year 2 Objective: Recommend changes to housing and land use policies that intentionally prioritize health equity
and housing affordability as part of the implementation of City Plan and the development of the Housing Strategic
Plan.
Year 2 Bottom Line Questions:
Who is not able to achieve stable, healthy housing – and why?
What do we need to change to achieve our housing vision for everyone in Fort Collins?
Who has the ability to make those changes?
And, which changes should we make first?
Supporting Questions:
1. What specific barriers are residents experiencing to healthy, stable housing that they can afford?
2. What solutions exist to address these barriers?
3. What are the trade-offs to these solutions?
4. What criteria should be used to evaluate and prioritize solutions? Examples of some potential criteria
below:
a. Expertise to implement solution
b. Return on investment
c. Effectiveness of solution
d. Ease of implementation/maintenance
e. Potential negative consequences
f. Legal considerations
g. Impact on systems or health
h. Feasibility of intervention
DELIVERABLES: EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT
1. A minimum of two (2) Strategic Doing™ events.
2. Completion of two (2) 20-week language justice cohorts of the FLTI civic leadership curriculum.
3. Completion of a minimum of 10 Community Guide meetings or interviews.
4. A minimum of one (1) community summit.
5. Regular opportunities to engage online via OurCity platform and social media
6. Regular (monthly or as requested) updates to Affordable Housing Board and Planning & Zoning Board
7. Regular (as requested) updates to additional Boards and Commissions
• Strategic Doing – Team Check-ins
Timeline: July & August
Format:
1. One-on-one interviews (phone or video)
2. Group interviews (phone or video)
Goals: Address the following questions:
1. Is your group still meeting and/or making progress on your project? Or have they already
completed their initial project idea?
1.2
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Attachment: Housing Strategic Plan / Home2Health Community Engagement Plan- Year Two (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
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2. Have you needed to alter your project during this process? Did you make small changes or
completely start over?
3. What have been your group’s successes?
4. What have been your group’s barriers or challenges in this process?
5. What is one thing that could have helped your group?
• Strategic Doing – Project Wrap-ups
Timeline: September
Format:
1. Group interviews or large virtual group session
Goals: Address the following questions:
1. Is your group still meeting and/or making progress on your project? Or have they already
completed their initial project idea?
2. Have you needed to alter your project during this process? Did you make small changes or
completely start over?
3. What have been your group’s successes?
4. What have been your group’s barriers or challenges in this process?
5. What is one thing that could have helped your group?
Tools & Techniques:
1. Zoom platform
• Community Guides Phase 2
Timeline: Ongoing through fall
Format: Online training with virtual group meetings or one-on-one interviews
Goals:
1. Community capacity building through facilitation training
2. Gather community feedback through Community Guide’s interactions within their own
communities
Tools & Techniques:
1. Video Recorded Training Modules
2. Virtual Group Discussions
3. Phone Interviews
More Information: https://cpd.colostate.edu/community-guide-training/
• Community Summit – round 1
Timeline: October - November
Format: TBD – likely virtual with smaller groups
Goals:
1. Evaluate draft vision and goals from the Housing Strategic Plan.
2. Prioritize strategies and roles in the Housing Strategic Plan.
• Community Summit - round 2
Timeline: March-April
Format: TBD
Goals:
3. Co-create implementation strategies with the community to develop the Implementation Plan
4. Build community capacity
1.2
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Attachment: Housing Strategic Plan / Home2Health Community Engagement Plan- Year Two (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
8
DELIVERABLES: INTERNAL ENGAGEMENT
1. A minimum of two (2) City Council Work Sessions.
2. Monthly updates to the Affordable Housing Executive Team.
3. A minimum of one (1) educational opportunity for CFC staff and leadership.
4. One (1) Council Hearing to consider adoption of the Housing Strategic Plan.
• Council Work Sessions
Timeline: August 25 and December 8
Format: Virtual Presentations *
• Affordable Housing Executive Team
Timeline: Ongoing
Format: Virtual Presentation*
• Educational Opportunities for City of Fort Collins Staff and Leadership
Timeline: Ongoing
Format: Could include working group presentations, lunch and learns, etc.*
• Council Hearing
Timeline: February 2021
Format: Hybrid virtual and in-person hearing with virtual presentation by staff*
Goal: Adoption of Housing Strategic Plan
*(COVID-19 and local/state/federal health regulations may impact the timing and format of this event)
1.2
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Attachment: Housing Strategic Plan / Home2Health Community Engagement Plan- Year Two (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
1
Housing Strategic Plan Work Session
Jackie Kozak Thiel, Caryn Champine, Lindsay Ex, Meaghan Overton
August 25, 2020
ATTACHMENT 3
1.3
Packet Pg. 22
Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
Questions for Consideration
2
What feedback do Councilmembers have on the following:
• Draft vision for the Housing Strategic Plan?
• Proposed community engagement plan?
• Initial scope for the Ad Hoc Committee?
1.3
Packet Pg. 23
Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
CITY PLAN
• Principle LIV 5: Create more
opportunities for housing
choices
• Principle LIV 6: Improve
access to housing
…regardless of their race,
ethnicity, income, age, ability,
or background
Strategic Alignment
3
COUNCIL
PRIORITIES
• Affordable and Achievable
Housing Strategies
• Equity and Inclusion
• Reimagining Community
Engagement
STRATEGIC
OBJECTIVES
Neighborhood Livability & Social
Health
• NLSH 1.1 Improve and
increase…housing…
affordable to a broad range of
income levels.
1.3
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
Policy and Planning Foundation…
• Affordable Housing Redevelopment Displacement
Mitigation Strategy (2013)
• Housing Affordability Policy Study (2014)
• Affordable Housing Strategic Plan (2015)
• Social Sustainability Strategic Plan (2016)
• City Plan (2019)
• Council Priorities (2019-2021)
• City Strategic Plan (2020)
• Home2Health (2019-2021)
4
1.3
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
…Leads to Action
Housing Affordability Policy Study
2014 - 2019
Minimum house size
Waiver eligibility
Land Bank
Incentive Policy
Affordable Housing Capital
Fund (CCIP)
Council Priorities
2019 - 2021
Manufactured Housing
Impact Fee / Inclusionary
Housing Study
Appropriation for Land Bank
purchase
Home2Health
Mason Place (Dec)
Affordable Home Ownership
Committee
Next Steps
2020+
Housing Strategic Plan
Buy and Sell Land Bank
parcels
Housing Manager
Fee Waiver Process
Improvements
Ad Hoc Council Committee
Results: 373 affordable homes in last 5 years & 248 under construction (Need: ~300 /year) 5
1.3
Packet Pg. 26
Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
Challenges Remain
6
Median Home Price
Median Income of a Family of 4
Median Income of All Households
Widening gap in who can afford median home price
Half as many renters can afford the median home price (23% in 2012; 11% in 2018)
1.3
Packet Pg. 27
Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
Challenges Remain
7
Higher poverty rates for all communities of color; lower median incomes for African American and Hispanic residents
Decrease in ~3K households that earn < $25,000 and an increase in~4K households earning > $75,000
Who provides your water can determine up to $20K difference in home price alone
1.3
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
Home2Health
Partnership: Centered in Equity, Focused on Capacity-Building
• Bring content and context experts to the table together
• Community Partners and City share leadership and decision-making
• Develop new ways to reimagine community engagement
• Create equitable opportunities for direct involvement in policy decisions
8
1.3
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
Home2Health Outcomes
9
Key Themes:
• Affordability &
Stability
• Housing Quality
• Health
How did we
engage?
§ ~500 people participated overall
§ Community Guide Meetings (8 guides, reached ~100 people)
§ Health Impact Assessment Questionnaire (115 respondents)
§ Older Adult Focus Groups (20 participants)
§ Home2Health Public Events + Storytelling (~250 participants)
1.3
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
Ongoing Council Engagement
Draft Vision
Housing Strategic Plan Roadmap
10
Implementation
Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021+
Housing Strategic Plan
Existing
Conditions
Vision, Goals, Strategy ID
and Evaluation Plan
Community
Summit
Prioritized
Strategies
Council Ad Hoc Committee
Implementation
Plan
Act,
Evaluate*
February
Adoption
Plan & Council
Review
Draft
Plan
Engagement
Opportunities
Goals &
Strategy
ID, Guiding
Principles
1.3
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
Engagement on the Plan to Date
§ Affordable Housing Board
§ Board of Realtors Government Affairs
Committee
§ CARE Housing, Inc.
§ Chamber LLAC
§ City Staff
§ Habitat for Humanity
§ Home2Health Core Team
§ Homeward 2020
§ Housing Catalyst
§ Mi Voz
§ Neighbor 2 Neighbor
§ NoCo Housing Now
§ North Fort Collins Business Association
§ Our Climate Future – Affordable Housing
Workshops
§ Peer cities
§ Planning and Zoning Board
§ Many community members
§ Much more being scheduled…
11
And thousands of community members
via the Community Survey, City Plan,
Home2Health, Our Climate Future, and
many more!
1.3
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
Themes We Heard – Must Absolutely Do
12
Community-
centered,
remove barriers
§ Partnerships
§ Engage with targeted communities – break down barriers
§ Equity in process and outcomes (clear commitment)
§ Identify innovative and disruptive actions and approaches
§ Clearly communicate to multiple audiences
Be specific,
quantifiable,
and achievable
§ Establish goals, timelines, and accountability tools – & be agile
§ Establish specific, quantified housing priorities & financials
§ Role definition for the City
And…
§ Recognize housing is interconnected with all systems/outcomes
§ Align with community goals and plans – build off engagement
§ Begin regional strategy
1.3
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
Draft Vision
13
Everyone has stable and healthy housing
they can afford
1.3
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
Fall Community Engagement
Focus: Key Plan
Milestones
§ Vision (Sept/Oct)
§ Goals, Strategies, &
Guiding Principles
(Nov/Dec)
14
What: Community
Conversations
§ Feedback on vision
§ What needs to change to
achieve this vision?
§ Who has the ability to
change it?
§ What’s the first step?
How: Remove Barriers & Build Relationships
§ Language Justice, Spanish/English
§ Policy 101
§ Partner-led conversations and events
§ Connect policy & plan to lived experience
1.3
Packet Pg. 35
Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
Ad Hoc Committee
§ First Meeting on August 20
§ Committee to meet thru April 2021
§ Additional information regarding Scope
to be provided in a Read Before Memo
15
Grounding
Exploring
Strategy
Identification
Next Steps
1.3
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
2020 Next Steps
16
Source: Aubrey Davis Park Master Plan
Plan
• Existing Conditions (Sept)
• Community engagement (Sept - Nov)
• December 8 Work Session
- Goals, strategies, & guiding principles
- Plan outline
Action
• Manufactured housing
• Metro Districts
1.3
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
Questions for Consideration
17
What feedback do Councilmembers have on the following:
• Draft vision for the Housing Strategic Plan? (slide 14)
• Proposed community engagement plan? (slide 15)
• Initial scope for the Ad Hoc Committee? (slide 16)
1.3
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
18
BACKUP
1.3
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
Housing Plan Outline
Summer 2020 – February 2021: Housing Plan
§ Vision
§ Guiding Principles
§ Existing conditions (quantify problem/need)
§ Goals and Strategies
§ Targeted and prioritized policies for all
housing options and levels
§ Framework to evaluate impact
§ Align with community goals, e.g., affordable
housing, carbon neutrality, and more
Spring 2021: Implementation Plan
§ Timelines, roles, indicators, costs, etc.
19
Source: Authorstech
1.3
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
Everyone has stable and healthy
housing they can afford
20
MO3
LE17
MO5
1.3
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
Slide 20
MO3 What do you think about including this? It's a good summary of the issues/connection between
housing and health. Comes out of the H2H Health Impact Assessment.
Meaghan Overton, 8/11/2020
LE17 what do you think about backup slide if they ask about the connection between housing and health?
We've already got a fairly long slide deck...
Lindsay Ex, 8/12/2020
MO5 Yep, that works!
Meaghan Overton, 8/12/2020
1.3
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)
DATE:
STAFF:
August 25, 2020
Delynn Coldiron, City Clerk
Rita Knoll, Chief Deputy City Clerk
Ryan Malarky, Legal
WORK SESSION ITEM
City Council
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Election Code Changes.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this item is to discuss proposed amendments to the City’s election campaign Code provisions.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. What concerns or questions do Councilmembers have regarding the proposed Code amendments?
2. Are Councilmembers ready for staff to bring the proposed Code amendments forward for Council
consideration on September 1, 2020?
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
In 2015, Council formed an ad hoc committee to review, discuss and recommend changes to the City Code and
Charter regarding elections and other related matters. In 2017, Council made the ad hoc committee a standing
committee of the Council (the Election Code Committee or ECC) for the purpose of identifying and evaluating
ideas for improvements to City election laws and practices and anticipating adjustments that may be needed to
adapt to a rapidly changing legal and technological environment. Mayor Troxell and Councilmembers Pignataro
and Summers are the current members of the ECC. Councilmember Pignataro serves as the Chair.
Since the original formation of the ad hoc committee, Council has considered and adopted five Ordinances
amending various provisions of Chapter 7. A list of the most recent changes adopted during 2017-2018 is
attached (Attachment 1). Highlights of the major changes from last round include:
• Committee Structure, Registration and Termination:
o Adding a registered agent with current contact information for committees
o Adding a definitive termination process for committees (other than candidate committees)
o Eliminating overlap between, and better defining, the various committees
o Adding provisions relating to Small-Scale Issue Committees
• Filing Requirements:
o Adding a definition for what constitutes a public announcement for candidacy
o Revising the date for a candidate’s first financial disclosure statement
o Amending deadlines for write-in candidates, nomination petitions, withdrawal from candidacy and
nomination petitions in a recall election
• Contributions/Expenditures and Campaign Finance Reporting
o Requiring two additional campaign finance reports to increase transparency
o Changing due dates for reports to better align with the approach of courts and legislature in terms of
using a 7-day increment and increasing predictability for candidates
o Adding a provision that prohibits any type of committee from coordinating its expenditures with any other
committee in a manner that circumvents restrictions or limitations
2
Packet Pg. 43
August 25, 2020 Page 2
• Campaign Regulations
o Requiring committees to keep copies of any public communications produced, as well as invoices,
receipts, and other instruments of payment
o Adding a reference to internet advertisers, website providers and social media providers to the list of
possible entities providing paid advertising and to the reporting requirements for discounted rates
o Adding a requirement for “paid for by” disclaimers on certain types of communications produced by
committees and by persons making independent expenditures
• Independent Expenditures
o Strengthening provisions to ensure a detailed description of an expenditure is provided and that
associated records are kept
o Amending the definition to ensure that expenditures include advertisements placed for a fee on a
person’s website, or advertisement space provided for no fee or a reduced fee if a person would have
ordinarily been charged
o Requiring reporting of expenditures supporting or opposing a ballot issue or question
o Increasing the independent expenditure reporting threshold to $250
• Complaints
o Adding a division related to campaign complaints/violations
• Ballot Processing
o Establishing requirements for signature verification
o Adding provisions specifically addressing the facilitation of voting by uniformed military and overseas
voters
• Post-Election
o Adding a Charter amendment changing the deadline for final certification to implement signature
verification and corresponding changes
The ECC discussed whether adjustments were needed to any of the changes made prior to the April 2019
election. There was robust discussion around the “paid for by” requirement and the resulting citizen complaints
filed that alleged campaigns violated the requirement. The general consensus among the ECC was that
changes were needed to address the severity of the consequences if found guilty of a violation. The ECC
generally concluded that a misdemeanor penalty seemed extreme in most cases. The new round of changes for
Council’s consideration address this by making most violations a civil penalty subject to a set fine. ECC
members also agreed that due to the number of changes that were made during the last round, it makes sense
to proceed through another election cycle with the current Code provisions to better determine their impact
before revising the changes that were previously made.
The proposed changes being presented at this work session represent a continuation of the work to make
improvements. Most of the changes are noncontroversial and enacting them at this time will be advantageous
as preparations begin for the April 2021 regular municipal election.
A summary of the proposed amendments follows:
Elimination of Non-Itemized Contributions (Section 7-136)
Currently all candidate committees, political committees and issue committees must report all contributions and
contributions in kind received in the amount of $20 or more. Members of the public attending ECC meetings
expressed concerns about a lack of transparency resulting from not requiring the same disclosure for
contributions and contributions in kind that are less than $20. One example provided was the use of a jar or
“fishbowl” at election events where contributions are accepted without any documentation regarding the amount
of individual contributions. Such fishbowls or other undocumented small contributions are problematic since there
is no way to ensure a contributor is not exceeding contribution limits. This proposal eliminates anonymous
donations and requires that all donations, no matter the amount, be reported.
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Use of Unexpended City Campaign Funds in Non-City Elections and Carry-Over of Candidate Committee
Contributions to the Next Election Cycle (Section 7-138)
Amending Section 7-138(a)(2) will enable unexpended campaign contributions to a candidate committee to be
contributed to a candidate committee established by the same candidate for a subsequent campaign in a federal,
state, county or city election, subject to campaign finance laws applicable to federal, state and county elections.
Currently, the Code allows that unexpended contributions can only be used for a subsequent city campaign.
Since the Mayor Pro Tem is currently involved in a county election, staff is proposing that, if Council considers
adopting this change, the effective date be January 1, 2021 to avoid any conflicts of interest.
Amending Section 7-138(e) will enable a candidate committee to continue to use the same name and any
unexpended funds for the next City election. Currently, candidate committees can contribute unexpended
campaign contributions to a new candidate committee, with a new name, established by the same candidate for a
subsequent election, but must close the current candidate committee no later than 10 days after establishing the
new candidate committee. This change is intended to reduce the administrative burden on those candidates and
their committees that intend to participate in a subsequent City election.
Changes to the Campaign Finance Violation Process
This language amends several sections of the City Code to establish a civil infraction process, whereby a set civil
penalty may be imposed against a candidate or committee for certain campaign finance violations.
Most violations would no longer be criminal misdemeanors, meaning there would no longer be a risk of
imprisonment or loss of office. However, the following violations are proposed to remain criminal misdemeanors:
(1) when a person violates disclosure requirements with the intent to fraudulently misrepresent contributions or
expenditures; (2) when a person offers a candidate or candidate committee money or anything of value to
withdraw, or a candidate offers to withdraw for money or anything of value; or (3) when a person commits a
violation or violations after already being found liable for two violations, all in a single election cycle. In the latter
case, the third and any subsequent violation would be a misdemeanor.
Alleged criminal violations would not be subject to the civil infraction process but would remain subject to review
by the City Attorney’s Office for probable cause.
Under this new civil infraction process, the respondent will be notified of any complaint received. The City
Attorney or their designee will review the complaint for legal sufficiency. If the City Attorney determines the
complaint is sufficient, the alleged violator (the “respondent”) will be notified of the presumptive penalty and given
the opportunity to pay the penalty or have seven (7) days to submit written evidence of correction of the violation
or diligent efforts to correct the violation. If the respondent fails to act, or the City Attorney determines the
respondent has not corrected the alleged violation and otherwise substantially complied with its legal obligations,
the respondent will be given the choice to pay an associated penalty or to contest the complaint through a hearing
before the Municipal Court following the City’s already-established procedures for civil infractions in Chapter 19,
Article V of the City Code. It is expected that an assistant judge would be assigned to handle any such
proceeding in the Municipal Court to avoid any actual conflicts of interest the Chief Judge may have or the
appearance of such conflict of interest.
Just as with other civil infractions, if a penalty is imposed by the Municipal Court but goes unpaid, the City would
have the authority to collect the penalty as a debt to the City. Candidates would be personally liable for penalties.
Candidates would be allowed to use campaign contributions to pay penalties.
Specifically, the proposed changes would:
1. Amend Section 7-136(g) to make reports that are incomplete or inconsistent with Code requirements to be
subject to the penalties and process outlined in Section 7-143.
2. Amend Section 7-143(a) to create a schedule of violations subject to civil penalties with an associated dollar
amount.
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3. Create a new Section 7-143(b) to clarify that a misdemeanor, subject to a fine or imprisonment in accordance
with Section 1-15 would continue for the following:
a) A person or committee that violates disclosure requirements with the intent to fraudulently misrepresent
contributions or expenditures; or
b) A person who offers a candidate or candidate committee money or anything of value to withdraw, or a
candidate who offers to withdraw for money or anything of value; or
c) When a person is found liable for a violation after the person is found liable for two (2) or more violations
under Chapter 7, Article V in a single election cycle.
4. Amend Section 7-143(c) to clarify that failure to comply with the provisions of this Article will have no effect on
the validity of any election, except as expressly required by the City Charter.
5. Amend Section 7-145(c) to make it clear that the City Clerk will forward any complaints received that allege a
criminal violation to the respondent as well as the City Attorney.
6. Create a new Section 7-145(d) related to processing complaints that do not allege a criminal violation and
sets out the civil infraction process that will be utilized.
7. Amend Section 7-146 to clarify that the City Attorney will continue to review those complaints that concern
criminal violations as opposed to civil infractions.
8. Eliminate Section 7-150 which currently allows a citizen complainant to bring a civil action in state district
court after either receiving written notification from the City Clerk that the City Attorney determined filing a
summons and complaint is inappropriate, or after one hundred eighty (180) days of filing the complaint,
whichever occurs first. Staff is proposing this be removed due to recent case law calling into question the
constitutionality of similar citizen enforcement mechanisms at the state election level.
The City Attorney will need to use an outside attorney, as in past practice, when a complaint is against a Council
candidate. The Chief Judge will also likely need to use an assistant judge. The need to use an outside attorney
for initial review and another outside attorney as an assistant judge is expected to have some budget implications
that have not yet been addressed. The assistant judge would likely be an outside attorney under contract for
assistant judge services, as with other assistant judges in the Municipal Court. The assistant judge contract
would be managed by the Chief Judge and the Municipal Court, while the outside legal counsel for initial review of
complaints, as needed, would be retained by the City Attorney’s Office.
The ECC discussed two additional issues and encouraged staff to bring them forward to the entire Council for
discussion. These items include regulation of Limited Liability Company (LLC) contributions and limiting
contributions to political committees.
Regulation of Limited Liability Company (LLC) Contributions
Members of the public attending ECC meetings expressed some interest in aligning local City Code provisions
with state law regarding the reporting of contributions by limited liability companies (LLCs). The ECC discussed
such regulations and, while not coming to a consensus about whether to support them, the ECC determined it
was appropriate to forward the matter to Council for its consideration. Under City provisions, an LLC is
considered a “person”, separate and distinct from a natural person. As such, a natural person can make the
maximum allowed contribution to a candidate committee, and an LLC, of which the natural person is a member,
may also make the maximum contribution to a candidate committee. Under state law, contributions from an LLC
must be accompanied by a written statement that includes, among other things, information on how the
contribution is attributed among the LLC members. The attribution to an individual member of the LLC then
counts toward the aggregate contribution limit of the individual as a person.
Limitation of Contributions to Political Committees
Members of the public attending ECC meetings expressed some interest in limiting contributions to political
committees, similar to provisions in state law. Under state law, contributions to political committees are limited,
and the committee is allowed to make contributions to candidate committees. Fort Collins does not limit
contributions to a political committee but does not allow a political committee to make direct contributions to any
type of committee. A political committee may only accept contributions or make expenditures to support or
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August 25, 2020 Page 5
oppose one or more candidates. In addition, a political committee is prohibited from coordinating its expenditures
with any other such committee in a manner that circumvents any restrictions or limitations on campaign
contributions, expenditures or reporting set forth in the Code. Due to the differences between the state law and
local Code, the ECC was not interested in pursuing an amendment. Should Council want to look at this further,
proposed changes can be drafted for consideration. A comparison chart is attached giving more information on
the various types of committees the Code allows and some related information. A detailed memo previously
given to Council providing clarification regarding the participation of political action committees and 527 groups in
City elections and relationship to City political committees is also attached.
An additional change recommended by staff is as follows:
Financial Disclosure Statement Filing
This item was not discussed by the ECC. Staff is recommending that a change occur to Section 2-636 to align
filing requirements for seated Councilmembers and newly elected Councilmembers so that the filing deadline falls
on the same date (May 15 each year). Currently, newly elected Councilmembers must file no later than 30 days
after their election. In an election year, half the Council is filing in early May, and the other half is filing mid-May.
This proposed amendment will cause all Councilmembers to file under the same deadline.
The City Manager and City Attorney are required to file a financial disclosure statement no later than 30 days after
his or her appointment, and then annually no later than May 15. No change is recommended to provisions
affecting the City Manager and City Attorney.
Charter Changes
Staff presented several Charter changes to the ECC for discussion, including:
1. Amending Article II, Section 4 relating to the date for selection of the Mayor Pro Tem.
2. Amending Article VIII, Section 4(a) to eliminate a requirement that the affidavit of circulator contain a
statement of the number of signers on that section of the petition.
3. Amending Article VIII, Section 8 regarding participation in elections by political parties, city employees, public
service corporations or any other person intending to apply for a franchise or have a contract with the City.
4. Amending Article VIII, Section 9 regarding Corrupt Practices.
These issues are planned for discussion with the full Council at the December 8, 2020 Work Session in order to
enable Council to timely adopt the ordinances necessary to place desired Charter amendments on the ballot for
the April 2021 election.
Next Steps:
Unless Councilmembers have significant concerns about the proposed Code amendments, staff will present them
for consideration on First Reading on September 1, with Second Reading on September 15. This will enable the
City Clerk to include any proposed changes that Council adopts in election reference materials. City Clerk staff is
striving to have all reference materials (Guidelines) available to the public by early October.
As noted above, a work session related to proposed Charter Amendments is scheduled for December 8, 2020.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Code Changes in 2017-2018 Process (PDF)
2. Campaign Committees Chart (PDF)
3. Political Committees Memo (PDF)
4. Election Code Committee Minutes (PDF)
5. Powerpoint Presentation (PDF)
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ELECTION CODE COMMITTEE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
April 2017 – September 2018
(with certain earlier amendments added for context)
Committee Structure/Registration and Termination
Added a definition of “registered agent”, which is used in the context of committee registration
and campaign finance reports. [Apr 2018]
Amended Section 7‐134 regarding registration of committees to require registration on a form
provided by the City Clerk and outlining the required information to be provided. Required
prompt provision of information updates. Added provisions relating to voluntary termination
and the proper disposition of funds and mandatory termination for political committees and
issue committees no later than 60 days after the election. [Apr 2018]
Provided that any issue committee or political committee formed prior to July 1, 2017 will be
deemed terminated and shall cease operation as of April 13, 2018. Such committees are
required to disburse remaining funds pursuant to the provisions in Section 7‐138 (Unexpended
Campaign Contributions) of the Code. [Apr 2018]
Amended the definition of “candidate committee” to specify that the common purpose is to
receive contributions or (rather than “and”) make expenditures. {Sept 2018]
Amended the definition of “issue committee” to clarify that it means any person that has
accepted contributions for the purpose of supporting or opposing a ballot question. [Sept 2018]
Amended the definition of “political committee” to clarify that activity is limited to supporting or
opposing candidates only, and eliminating the ability of a political committee to make
contributions to other committees. [Sept 2018]
Small‐scale Issue Committees
Added provisions relating to small‐scale issue committees. [Jan 2017]
Applied similar committee registration requirements and update information to small‐scale
issue committees (which are addressed in a separate section of the Code). [Apr 2018]
Amended the definition of “contribution”, specifically in the portion describing what
“contribution” does not include, to add reference to a small‐scale issue committee. [Sept 2018]
Amended the definition of “contribution in kind” to add reference to a small‐scale issue
committee. This applies also to what “contribution in kind” does not include. [Sept 2018]
Amended the definition of “expenditure” to add reference to a small‐scale issue committee.
[Sept 2018]
Amended the definition of “unexpended campaign contributions” to add reference to a small‐
scale issue committee. [Sept 2018]
Amended the section dealing with registration and termination of committees to add reference
to a registered small‐scale issue committee. [Sept 2018]
Amended the section regarding rates and charges for political advertising to include reference
to a small‐scale issue committee. [Sept 2018]
ATTACHMENT 1
2.1
Packet Pg. 48
Attachment: Code Changes in 2017-2018 Process (9410 : Election Code Changes)
Filing Requirements
Added a definition of “public announcement”, which is used in the context of determining when
someone becomes a candidate. [Apr 2018]
Changed the date that a candidate’s first financial disclosure statement is due to coincide with
the acceptance of nomination, rather than 10 days after acceptance of nomination. [Apr 2018]
Amended deadlines for write‐in candidates, nomination petitions, withdrawal from candidacy,
and nomination petition in a recall election, to provide more time for preparation and mailing of
ballots. [June 2018]
Contributions/Expenditures and Campaign Finance Reporting
Added two additional campaign finance report filing dates: 35 days prior to the election and 60
days after the election. [Apr 2018]
Clarified that the campaign finance report due on the Friday before the election is due at noon,
regardless of the method of filing. (All other reports, if filed electronically, may be filed until
midnight on the date due.) [Apr 2018]
Adjusted the deadline for post‐election campaign reports from the 60th day after the election to
now be due the 70th day after the election. [June 2018]
Adjusted the deadline for the report due on the 30th day after the election to instead be due on
the 35th day after the election. [June 2018]
Amended the section relating to campaign contributions and expenditures to:
o eliminate issue committee and political committee from the provision relating to joint
contributions,
o add reference to small‐scale issue committee to the list of committees that cannot
knowingly accept contributions from any person who is not a U.S. citizen, from a foreign
government, or from any foreign corporation that does not have authority to transact
business in Colorado
o add a new subsection prohibiting any type of committee from coordinating its
expenditures with any other committee in a manner that circumvents any restrictions or
limitations on campaign contributions, expenditures, or reporting requirements. [Sept
2018]
Amended the section relating to disclosure and filing of reports to make a committee’s
registered agent, rather than treasurer, the person notified of any deficiencies in reporting, and
the person responsible for amending a report to cure deficiencies. [Sept 2018]
Campaign Regulations
Required committees to keep copies of any public communications produced, in addition to
invoices, receipts, and other instruments of payment. [June 2018]
Added a definition of “social media” to mean any electronic medium, including an interactive
computer service, application, or data network, that allows users to create, share, and view
user‐generated content, including but not limited to videos, still photographs, blogs, video
blogs, podcasts, instant messages, electronic mail, or internet website profiles. [June 2018]
2.1
Packet Pg. 49
Attachment: Code Changes in 2017-2018 Process (9410 : Election Code Changes)
Added internet advertisers, website providers and social media providers to the list of possible
entities providing paid advertising, and to the reporting requirements for discounted rates.
[June 2018]
Added a new section titled “Responsibility for communications” establishing required “paid‐for‐
by” statements on certain types of communications produced by committees and by persons
making independent expenditures. [Sept 2018]
Independent Expenditures
Strengthened provisions relating to independent expenditures to require:
o A detailed description of the expenditures sufficient to allow for determination of
compliance with the Code.
o Copies of receipts, invoices, or other documentation related to the independent
expenditure.
o Maintenance of records for one (1) year, or longer if a complaint is received, and
production of those records within three (3) business days upon request of the City.
[Jan 2017]
Amended the definition of “independent expenditure” to:
o clarify that independent expenditure includes advertisements placed for a fee on
another person’s website, or advertisement space provided for no fee or a reduced fee
when a fee ordinarily would have been charged.
o require reporting of independent expenditures supporting or opposing a ballot issue or
question.
o require persons making independent expenditures to keep copies of any public
communications produced, in addition to invoices, receipts, and other instruments of
payment.
o clarify that the following are not independent expenditures:
expenditures made by persons, other than political committees, in the regular
course and scope of their business and political messages sent solely to their
members.
Any news articles, editorial endorsements, opinion or commentary writings, or
letters to the editor printed in a newspaper, magazine, or other periodical not
owned or controlled by the candidate, or communications other than
advertisements posted or published on the internet for no fee. [June 2018]
Amended the definition of “independent expenditure” to add reference to a small‐scale issue
committee. [Sept 2018]
Amended the definition of “independent expenditure”, specifically in the portion describing
what “independent expenditure” does not include, to add expenditures made by small‐scale
issue committees. [Sept 2018]
Amended the section regulating independent expenditures to:
o exclude a committee required to register under Chapter 7, Article V, from making
independent expenditures.
o require reporting of independent expenditures once the aggregate amount spent
exceeds $250.
o require reporting on a form provided by the City Clerk. [Sept 2018]
2.1
Packet Pg. 50
Attachment: Code Changes in 2017-2018 Process (9410 : Election Code Changes)
Complaints
Added a Division pertaining to campaign complaints/violations. [Jan 2017]
Amended the section regarding allegation of campaign violation to include a person to the list of
those who may commit a campaign violation and be subject to the filing of a complaint. [Sept
2018]
Ballot Processing
Established the requirement to use signature verification in the manner provided in State
Statute beginning with the April 2019 election. [Apr 2018]
Established provisions specifically addressing the facilitation of voting by uniformed military and
overseas voters. [June 2018]
Post‐Election
Charter Amendment approved changing the deadline for final certification of an election so that
the City may implement signature verification, and corresponding changes to the date of the
Council organizational meeting and the beginning of Councilmember terms of office. [Apr 2017]
Other/Administrative
Amended the duties of the City Clerk to include serving as the Designated Election Official in any
election coordinated with Larimer County. [Apr 2018]
2.1
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Attachment: Code Changes in 2017-2018 Process (9410 : Election Code Changes)
CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE COMPARISONS
Category Definition - Purpose Registration
Required?
Reports
Required?
“Paid for
By”
Required?
Candidate
Committee
One or more persons for common purpose of receiving contributions or making
expenditures under authority of candidate; open and active until terminated. YES YES YES
Political
Committee
Two or more persons associated for common purpose of accepting contributions
or making contributions to support or oppose one or more candidates OR
Any person accepting contributions for that purpose.
YES YES YES
Small-Scale Issue
Committee
Two or more persons associated for common purpose of accepting contributions
or making contributions to support or oppose any ballot issue or ballot question
OR
Any person accepting contributions for that purpose.
NO until
$200 rec’d
or spent
NO until
$200 rec’d
or spent
NO until
$200 rec’d
or spent
Issue
Committee
Two or more persons associated for common purpose of accepting contributions
or making contributions to support or oppose any ballot issue or ballot question
OR
Any person accepting contributions for that purpose.
YES YES YES
Independent
Expenditure
Payment of money by other than a committee to advocate the election, defeat or
recall of a candidate or supporting or opposing a ballot issue or ballot question.
(Excludes news articles or other unpaid public media, expenditures in the regular
course of scope of business by an organization to its members/employees.)
NO NO
YES, if
total more
than $250
ATTACHMENT 2
2.2
Packet Pg. 52
Attachment: Campaign Committees Chart (9410 : Election Code Changes)
2.2
Packet Pg. 53
Attachment: Campaign Committees Chart (9410 : Election Code Changes)
June 25, 2020
TO: Mayor Troxell and City Councilmembers
THRU: 'DULQ$WWHEHUU\&LW\0DQDJHU
Kelly DiMartino, Deputy City Manager
&DUULH'DJJHWW$WWRUQH\
FROM: Ryan Malarky, Assistant City Attorney
Delynn Coldiron, City Clerk
RE: Clarification regarding the participation of political action committees and 527 groups
in City elections and relationship to City “political committees”
This memorandum responds to questions raised by City Council at its June 2, 2020, meeting and
subsequently discussed briefly by the Election Code Committee at its June 5, 2020, meeting. At
the June 2nd
Council meeting, some Councilmembers mentioned “political action committees” and
“527 groups,” and Councilmembers asked for clarification about what the City Code requires with
respect to the participation of political action committees and 527 groups in City elections. There
was also a request for clarification as to whether the Code contains limits on contributions to
political committees and whether political committees can coordinate with candidate committees.
The Bottom Line provides answers to these specific questions, while the Discussion provides
an overview of the Code requirements for political committees. In addition, a chart outlining
the types of committees established under the City’s campaign finance provisions and related
requirements and restrictions is attached. The City Clerk’s Office and the City Attorney’s
Office will keep these questions in mind and suggest additional clarifying Code language as
Code changes are prepared for City Council this summer.
Bottom Line:
1. A “political action committee” (“PAC”) is an entity regulated at the federal level by the Federal
Elections Commission. The term encompasses several different types of committees or
associations, including but not limited to separately segregated funds of corporations or labor
organizations, Super PACs, and Leadership PACs. The State of Colorado does not expressly
y
Mayor Troxell and City Councilmembers
June 25, 2020
Page 2 of 4
regulate PACs. However, to the extent a PAC’s conduct meets the state definition of a political
committee, the PAC must register and comply with requirements for political committees.
“527 groups” are political organizations that are tax-exempt under the federal Internal
Revenue Code, and which are organized to support or oppose candidates. In certain
instances, the State does require 527 groups to register as “political organizations.”
The City Code does not specifically address PACs or 527 groups. However, to the extent
PACs or 527 groups involve themselves in City elections and their conduct meets the City
Code’s definition of a political committee, the Code requires that such organizations
register and comply with the reporting requirements for a political committee. If a group
does not fall within the City’s definition of “political committee”, expenditures in City
elections would fall under the requirements for independent expenditures.
2. The City Code establishes various types of campaign committees, including “political
committees” and does not limit the amount of contribution that can be made to political
committees.
3. City Code Section 7-135(h) prohibits candidate committees, issue committees, small-scale
issue committees and political committees from coordinating expenditures with other such
committees in a way to avoid the restrictions on campaign contributions, expenditures or
reporting. In addition, the Code amendments in 2018 were intended to preclude
contributions by political committees to other committees. Because it would likely be
helpful to include a more explicit statement in the Code that political committees are
prohibited from coordinating campaign efforts with candidate committees and from
making contributions to other committees, additional language reinforcing this prohibition
will be included as part of upcoming amendments to the campaign finance provisions
planned for later this summer.
Discussion:
The Colorado Fair Campaign Practices Act (“FCPA”) was enacted at the state level in January
1997, replacing the former Campaign Reform Act. The focus of campaign regulations in state law
has historically been written with a focus on the regulation of state candidates, followed by county
candidates. Many of the provisions of the FCPA are not relevant to municipal candidates.
In November 2000, the City of Fort Collins, as a home-rule municipality, adopted its own
campaign finance laws in lieu of those contained in state law. It was the stated intent of the City
Council to “entirely occupy the field of regulating the conduct of City elections and . . . the
campaign activities of persons who are seeking local elective office or supporting or opposing
local ballot issues or contributing to the political campaigns relating to such candidates or issues.”
At the time, the local laws were modeled after language contained in the FCPA, excluding
provisions, or portions thereof, that were not relevant in municipal campaigns.
Mayor Troxell and City Councilmembers
June 25, 2020
Page 3 of 4
Local Definition of Political Committee
When City’s campaign laws were enacted in 2000, the definition of “political committee” in the
City Code read as follows:
Political committee shall mean two (2) or more persons who are elected, appointed,
or chosen, or have associated themselves, for the purpose of making contributions
to candidate committees, issue committees, or other political committees, or for the
purpose of making independent expenditures. Political committee shall not include
issue committees, or candidate committees as otherwise defined in this Section.
This language mirrored the original definition in the FCPA with the exclusion of a reference to
political parties.
The definition remained unaltered in the City Code until September 2018 when it was amended in
the following manner:
Political committee shall mean:
(1) twoTwo (2) or more persons who are elected, appointed or chosen, or
have associated themselves, for the purpose of accepting contributions
or making expenditures to support or oppose one (1) or more
candidatescontributions to candidate committees, issue committees or
other political committees, or for the purpose of making independent
expenditures.
(2) Any person that has accepted contributions for the purpose of supporting
or opposing one (1) or more candidates.
Political committee shall not include:
(1) Issue committees or candidate committees as otherwise defined in this
Section; or
(2) Any partnership, committee, association, corporation, labor
organization or other organization or group of persons previously
established for a primary purpose outside of the scope of this Article.
The 2018 amendments were intended to better define a political committee and remove any
overlap with other committees or types of expenditures. In particular, the 2018 amendments:
x Made clear that two or more persons who either take contributions or make
expenditures to support or oppose candidates must register as a political
Mayor Troxell and City Councilmembers
June 25, 2020
Page 4 of 4
committee. Previously, registration was not required until such persons
received contributions and made expenditures.
x Made clear that any person that accepts contributions to support or oppose
candidates must register. The Code broadly defines a person as any individual,
partnership, committee, association, corporation, labor organization or other
organization or group of persons.
x Made clear that candidate committees will not also be considered political
committees.
x Removed the language allowing political committees to make contributions to
other committees.
x Limited activities of a political committee to supporting or opposing
candidates.
x Eliminated the ability of political committees to make independent
expenditures.
x Removed language that excluded from the registration requirements any
partnership, committee, association, corporation, labor organization or other
organization or group of persons previously established for a primary purpose
outside of the scope of the City’s campaign regulations from the definition of
political committee.
City Code Section 7-135(h) prohibits candidate committees, issue committees, small-scale
issue committees, and political committees from coordinating expenditures with other such
committees to circumvent any restrictions or limitations in the Code on campaign
contributions, expenditures or reporting requirements. Independent expenditures are, by their
definition, not coordinated with a candidate committee. The same holds true in the FCPA and
related provisions in the Colorado Constitution.
The Colorado Constitution does set a limit on contributions that can be made to, and accepted
by candidate committees, including contributions made by political committees, under the
State campaign finance regulatory system. Since the City does not allow political committees
to make contributions to candidate committees, there is no direct comparison. Both the
Colorado Constitution and City Code allow political committees to make direct expenditures
supporting candidates.
In order to make more explicit both of these points (both coordination by political committees
and payments by political committees to other committees are prohibited), staff will include
language to that effect in the Code amendments coming forward later this summer for
Council’s consideration.
Attachment
COMPARISON OF VARIOUS TYPES OF COMMITTEES FOR ELECTION PURPOSES
Definition
Registration
required?
Required to File
Campaign Finance
Reports?
Can Accept
Contributions?
Can Make
Contributions to
Other
Committees?
Can Make
Expenditures?
Subject to
“Paid for By”
requirement?
Candidate
Committee
A person, including the candidate, or persons with the common purpose of receiving contributions or making
expenditures under the authority of a candidate. A candidate shall have only one (1) candidate committee. A candidate
committee shall be considered open and active until the committee has filed a termination report with the City Clerk.
Yes Yes Yes
Councilmember
candidate-
$75/person
Mayoral
candidate-
$100/person
No Yes Yes
Political
Committee
(1) Two (2) or more persons who are elected, appointed or chosen, or have associated themselves, for the purpose of
accepting contributions or making expenditures to support or oppose one (1) or more candidates.
(2) Any person that has accepted contributions for the purpose of supporting or opposing one (1) or more candidates.
Political committee shall not include candidate committees as otherwise defined in this Section.
Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Small-scale Issue
Committee
A committee otherwise meeting the definition of issue committee that has accepted or made contributions or
expenditures in an amount that does not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000.) during an applicable election cycle for
the major purpose of supporting or opposing any ballot issue or ballot question.
Once a small-scale issue committee accepts contributions/makes expenditures in excess of $5,000, the small-scale
issue committee must register as an issue committee and file reports about the contributions or expenditures it has
made or received since the beginning of its existence as a small-scale issue committee. (See Issue Committee)
Not until it accepts
contributions/makes
expenditures in an
aggregate amount
that exceeds $200
Not until it accepts
contributions/makes
expenditures in an
aggregate amount
that exceeds $5000
(and then they
become an issue
committee)
Yes No Yes Not until it accepts
City of Fort Collins Page 1
September 6, 2019
ELECTION CODE COMMITTEE MEETING
3:30 PM
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Troxell, Pignataro, Summers (via telephone),
STAFF PRESENT: Ryan Malarkey, Delynn Coldiron, Rita Knoll, Sara Gonzales
CITIZENS PRESENT: Marge Norskog, Jody Deschenes, Robbie Moreland, Roxanne Griffin, Dale
Karchin, Suzanne Trask, David Turk, Kathryn Secor, Mike Feldhousen, Karen
Wagner, Jen Rossi
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Troxell called the meeting to order.
2. ELECTION OF COMMITTEE CHAIR
Councilmember Pignataro expressed interest in being the Committee Chair. Mayor Troxell and
Councilmember Summers accepted the nomination.
3. CITIZEN COMMENT
Marge Norskog discussed the role of the City Clerk's Office in elections-to cover the election process and
two election management tasks: to answer questions when asked and to take action if a report is not filed
on time. She noted the Office was denied additional funding in 2019 to expand election management. She
discussed the 18 complaints she and others filed in the April 2019 election, all of which were based on
observations. Moving forward, Ms. Norskog stated small scale issue committees should be required to
report the zero to $199 spent once they reach the $200 threshold that requires reporting. Independent
expenditures under $250 are currently exempt from “paid for by” requirements, which causes a loophole in
anonymous speech. Additionally, someone convicted of a felony who has since had their voting rights
restored should be able to run for Council and suggested the election software be able to accommodate
online reporting by campaigns and committees and support ranked choice voting.
Robbie Moreland stated it is important that consistent oversight is given to ensure election code is being
followed. She reviewed financial disclosures for the past three April elections and requested the Committee
consider addressing non-itemized contributions or donations under $20 to clarify their proper use and
purpose. She requested the Committee address campaign donations from LLCs. She would like the City's
Election Code to match that of the state in order to ensure that individuals no longer have an advantage
over others through the use of multiple LLCs.
Karen Wagner expressed concern about low voter turnout and questioned why the Committee has gone
so long without meeting. She requested the Committee have a regular monthly meeting.
Jan Rossi expressed concern there is no campaign compliance oversight.
Roxanne Griffin stated the citizens of Fort Collins have the right to know who is paying for political
advertisements, including independent expenditures. Transparency plays a key role in a voter's ability to
evaluate the merits of political campaign messaging. She requested the Committee consider future steps
needed to ensure transparency and compliance with Election Codes.
Jody Deschenes requested the Committee address guidelines for election office employment or ineligibility
thereof. She would like to help elevate the City's election process and stated there should be a higher
standard of transparency. She discussed her group’s three areas of focus: independent, fair, and
transparent redistricting, ranked choice voting, and taking any and all measures necessary to mitigate the
negative influence of money on campaigns, elections, and government. She will be submitting three
resolutions related to these issues.
Councilmember Summers thanked the citizens who spoke and stated requiring “paid for by” statements on
web pages and social media is a way to catch people doing misdeeds. He suggested the focus needs to
be on other issues. He stated Fort Collins' $75 maximum contribution limit may be lowest of any city in
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Colorado; therefore, transparency concerns should focus more on flyers and robocalls. He would support
on-line reporting but opposed ranked choice voting.
Mayor Troxell thanked the speakers and stated that, while transparency is important, he believes the
complaint-based system has worked and he would be concerned about implementing changes that would
dissuade candidates from participating.
Councilmember Pignataro asked if it would be appropriate for the Committee to make a decision on LLCs
as all three of their names appear on the list of candidates with LLC donations. Chief Deputy City Clerk
Knoll noted the Committee would be making a recommendation to Council with Council being the body that
would ultimately make any changes to the Election Code.
Councilmember Pignataro asked about the scheduling of the Committee meetings. City Clerk Coldiron
replied the meetings have been set for every other month for the rest of the year; however, that can be
adjusted as necessary.
4. APPROVAL OF AUGUST 2, 2018 COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Mayor Troxell made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Summers, to adopt the August 2, 2018
Committee meeting minutes. The motion was adopted by unanimous consent.
5. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Review of the scope of the Election Code Committee and past accomplishments
Assistant City Attorney Ryan Malarkey discussed the history of the Election Code Committee and various
Election Code changes made by Council, after recommendation by the Committee.
Councilmember Pignataro asked how far prior to an election any Election Code changes need to be put
into place. Chief Deputy City Clerk Knoll replied they would ideally be in place by September.
Mayor Troxell requested feedback on changes that were made prior to the April 2019 election. Chief Deputy
City Clerk Knoll replied the additional required campaign finance reports placed a stress on the workload,
as did the large number of candidates. She also noted there were additional ballot processing requirements
that needed to be implemented, including signature verification and a new tabulation system.
City Clerk Coldiron commented on the relationship with the County which provides County workers in the
City Clerk's Office to help with registrations and other issues. The County is also considering letting the
City use its ballot box.
Chief Deputy City Clerk Knoll stated the marketing campaign appeared to have been successful in getting
people to check registrations early which decreased the walk-in traffic. She discussed the changes made
relating to UOCAVA voters and to extending the time for signature discrepancies to be cured.
Mayor Troxell commended the election and its transparency given the number of new processes. He
stated he would be slow to act in making additional changes citing the importance of predictability and
stability.
Councilmember Summers stated he could find some interesting results that would come from ranked voting
at a local level.
Councilmember Pignataro asked if there are clear guidelines about impartiality for election workers. Chief
Deputy City Clerk Knoll replied that had not typically been an issue; however, a complaint was received
from a candidate related to contact from Ms. Deschenes which is why she was not selected for election
employment. She stated staff has determined a more complex application and vetting process will occur
in the future.
City Clerk Coldiron stated staff will work with Human Resources and the City Attorney's Office to formalize
the election worker hiring process.
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b. Overview of April 2019 election
Chief Deputy City Clerk Knoll discussed turnout numbers, noting the number of registered voters is
constantly changing. Receiving 32,000 ballots for a local election is a good turnout. She reviewed the
election worker roles, overseas voter numbers, signature discrepancy corrections, new processes and
equipment, campaign law changes, and election cost.
Councilmember Pignataro asked if it is a requirement that ballots first go to Denver for processing through
the mail. Chief Deputy City Clerk Knoll replied in the affirmative but noted there is an agreement in place
with the Fort Collins post offices to hold any ballots they get on Election Day.
c. Background on recent changes to Election Code
City Clerk Coldiron reviewed changes made to the Election Code prior to the April election. She also
reviewed the complaints received during the election, stating two, relating to “paid for by” requirements on
flyers, yard signs, campaign websites and a Facebook page, have been forwarded for additional
investigation.
Councilmember Pignataro asked why other complaints related to a Facebook pages have been dismissed
while one remains. Assistant City Attorney Malarkey replied he could not make detailed comments as the
investigation is ongoing.
Chief Deputy City Clerk Knoll noted Fort Collins, as a home-rule city, does not follow the majority of state
laws regarding campaign finance.
Mayor Troxell opposed the severity of the penalty associated with “paid for by” violations and suggested
the Committee consider alternatives. Councilmember Pignataro agreed and suggested the inclusion of
additional language in candidate guidelines.
d. Review of proposed amendments to District-Precinct Map and possible recommendation to be
included in September 17 Council Agenda Item
Chief Deputy City Clerk Knoll presented a draft agenda item for the September 17 Council meeting related
to precinct changes made by the County. She noted the changes do not affect Council districts.
Mayor Troxell made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Summers, to recommend adoption of the
amendment to the City precinct map based on the County's precinct changes. The motion was adopted
unanimously.
e. Redistricting study overview
City Clerk Coldiron stated this communitywide redistricting effort was approved as part of the last budget
cycle and noted the last redistricting was done in 2016. She stated redistricting must occur when there is
a 10% or greater population variation between the most populous district and the least populous district,
which in this case are Districts 1 and 4.
City Clerk Coldiron stated the redistricting study will result in an analysis of the current population-based
methodology and ideas for others, evaluation of a possible district configuration, a robust public
engagement effort, and multiple redistricting options. She noted the hired consultant will aid in the entire
process and be present to answer questions. Staff would like to draft a request for proposal for the
Committee to consider at its next meeting and begin work in February with Council consideration in
November or December of next year.
Councilmember Pignataro asked how a consultant will be chosen. City Clerk Coldiron replied a staff
committee will be formed to review the requests for proposal submissions and the Committee will be kept
informed along the way.
Councilmember Summers suggested a November review by Council in order to provide additional time for
potential candidates who may run in the April election. City Clerk Coldiron noted the new district boundaries
will not go into effect until 2023 as census data will not be reported until 2021.
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6. FUTURE TOPICS
What topics does the committee wish to explore as part of its work plan?
Councilmember Pignataro asked if Committee members could send suggestions to staff for compilation
prior to the next meeting.
7. OTHER BUSINESS
None.
8. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned by unanimous consent at 5:00 PM.
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November 15, 2019
ELECTION CODE COMMITTEE MEETING
3:45 PM
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Troxell, Pignataro, Summers
STAFF PRESENT: Carrie Daggett, Ryan Malarkey, Delynn Coldiron, Rita Knoll, Sara Gonzales
CITIZENS PRESENT: Marge Norskog, Robbie Moreland, Kathleen Schmidt, Kevin Jones
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Troxell called the meeting to order.
2. CITIZEN COMMENT
Marge Norskog stated this committee provides a great deal of experience to determine how best to provide
oversight for elections going forward. She discussed a new Colorado law: the Campaign Finance
Enforcement Code. She stated the Secretary of State is actively creating a campaign enforcement group
within its office and encouraged the City to examine a similar process.
3. APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Councilmember Summers made a motion, seconded by Mayor Troxell, to adopt the September 6, 2019
Committee meeting minutes. The motion was adopted by unanimous consent.
4. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. “Fishbowl” donations - Require greater detailed reporting or not allow this type of campaign
contribution?
Chair Pignataro stated these types of donations added up to over $500 in the last election. City Attorney
Daggett noted it is challenging to have anonymous donations where you have individual contribution limits;
therefore, it may be necessary to have some type of tracking for these donations.
Councilmember Summers stated people try to find ways around the rules and money is pushed out of the
control of the candidate when more rules are in place. Campaigns should track individual donations
regardless of the amount so it can be reported when the threshold is met. Candidates want to know who is
contributing to their campaigns and suggested not allowing “fishbowl” donations may be the appropriate
solution.
Mayor Troxell stated this type of donation does not seem to function with the maximum donation amounts.
Chair Pignataro asked about the language around anonymous donations. Chief Deputy City Clerk Knoll
stated any donation under $20 is non-itemized and not reported. A solution would be to not allow non-
itemized contributions.
Mayor Troxell supported that solution and asked what constitutes a Charter change with regards to
elections. City Attorney Daggett replied there is a Charter provision that prohibits employee contributions to
Council candidate campaigns and prohibits contributions from organizations contracting with the City. She
also stated ranked voting would also be a Charter amendment and the remainder of the items on this
agenda would be Code changes.
City Attorney Daggett noted there has been some discussion about the Charter provision related to not
being able to hold office if convicted of a Code violation during an election. She noted Code changes would
likely be able to address the concerns about the Charter provision and she reviewed items that could be
viewed as criminal versus civil infractions in the election-related Code language.
Chair Pignataro stated eliminating anonymous donations would solve the “fishbowl” contribution issue.
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b. Review of the complaint and enforcement procedures and penalties for election code violations.
Chair Pignataro stated the review of the complaint and enforcement procedures and penalties for election
code violations would be a much longer effort.
Councilmember Summers stated the significant changes that were made after the 2017 election that
applied to the 2019 election should be reviewed. He opposed the “paid for by” requirement for yard signs
and stated some of the changes may have been overcorrections. Most of the 2019 election complaints
were frivolous, bogus, and inconsequential.
Chair Pignataro stated the “paid for by” requirement began because of mailers that were funded by outside
money. She agreed with Councilmember Summers that some of the changes may be overreaching.
Councilmember Summers opposed the requirement for two signatures on joint checking account checks.
He stated several of the City's requirements do not even apply at the state level. He expressed concern
that taking the control of the campaign out of the candidates' hands diverts it to outside groups.
Mayor Troxell supported adopting a minimalist, candidate-focused, transparent process. He supported
doing away with anonymous donations.
Councilmember Summers stated there should be a right to cure things that are deficient in election
reporting, such as missing addresses. Knoll replied the Clerk's Office does not review reports at that level
of detail; however, if it is brought to the attention of the Clerk, the candidate is told and is able to file an
amended report.
Chair Pignataro asked if the priority of this item is changed by Council as a whole bringing it up under Other
Business. Knoll replied Council will consider a draft ordinance and recommendation from this committee.
Councilmember Summers stated anything short of misappropriation of funds should not be viewed as a
criminal activity.
City Attorney Daggett suggested staff return with options and recommendations.
c. Ranked Choice Voting-pros and cons for our community.
Chair Pignataro noted ranked voting could not be in place by the next election; therefore, while it is still
important to discuss, it is not necessarily a priority at this time. She stated ranked voting could even the
playing field a bit.
Councilmember Summers discussed his experience with ranked voting and stated he essentially supports
the “one vote, one person” philosophy. He noted there could be a large confusion factor for voters and
stated ranked voting may not add a great deal of value to city elections.
Mayor Troxell stated there is no existing problem that would be fixed by ranked voting. He noted some
areas that have implemented ranked voting have now done away with it.
d. Restrictions on employees and contractors from participating in City elections.
City Attorney Daggett stated staff will likely want to provide more detail on this topic as the discussion
progresses. She stated the employee issue is separate from the contractor issue and stated staff is
recommending Council consider asking voters to remove the restrictions on contracting organizations in
light of Citizens United as there is some question as to whether the prohibition is consistent with how the
law has developed. She noted that would be a Charter provision change and stated the committee may
need an executive session to fully discuss legal ramifications.
City Attorney Daggett noted the employee contribution prohibition only applies to candidate elections, but
employees can participate in issue elections on a personal level.
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Chair Pignataro noted the City is one of the largest employers in Fort Collins and stated not allowing
employees to participate is difficult for candidates.
City Attorney Daggett noted City Manager Atteberry may want to be involved in this discussion related to
concerns about relationships employees may have developed with candidates to whom they have
contributed.
e. Campaign naming and carry-over for returning candidates.
Chair Pignataro noted this item relates to using a different campaign name for each election. She
expressed concern that this could be wasteful in terms of campaign materials.
Councilmember Summers stated campaigns are active until they are closed at the state level.
Chair Pignataro asked what issues are being faced by the City Clerk's Office that would drive the need for
different campaign names. Deputy City Clerk Gonzales replied donations are tied to committee names and
it is difficult to determine which campaign is associated with which donations if the campaign name remains
the same. She noted funds can be carried over from one committee to the other; however, the itemized
items do not carry over.
Councilmember Summers suggested utilizing dates to differentiate campaigns.
Mayor Troxell noted issue committees and candidate committees may need to be treated differently.
Gonzales replied issue committees are required to terminate and candidate committees must be reopened
for each election, though they can remain open with an annual reporting requirement.
f. Possible alignment with state law regarding LLC election contributions.
Councilmember Summers stated the state law requires a report, which is only held by the candidate,
outlining contributions made by an individual and their LLC.
City Attorney Daggett stated it could become cumbersome to attempt to attribute a donation equally among
all members of an LLC.
Chair Pignataro stated City elections have a low per person donation limit for a reason and allowing LLC
contributions seems to go against that.
Councilmember Summers stated higher contribution limits may be needed in order to avoid LLC
contributions.
Chair Pignataro stated she would like to have staff prepare information related to pros and cons of the state
regulations.
5. Continuation of Election Code Committee
City Attorney Daggett stated this item has come about as there may be enough interest on the part of the
entire Council on some items that a work session may be a better way to proceed with a discussion.
City Clerk Coldiron stated there was also some thought that the amount of changes already made may
need to be digested and assessed prior to making more changes.
Members discussed items that they would like to consider in January.
6. OTHER BUSINESS
Chair Pignataro encouraged the Clerk's Office to make scanned reports searchable PDFs.
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7. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned by unanimous consent at 5:14 PM.
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January 10, 2020
ELECTION CODE COMMITTEE MEETING
3:31 PM
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Troxell, Pignataro, Summers
STAFF PRESENT: Carrie Daggett, Ryan Malarkey, Delynn Coldiron, Rita Knoll, Sara Gonzales
CITIZENS PRESENT: Robbie Moreland, Jody Deschenes, Anne Thompson, Sam Houghteling, Eric
Sutherland
1. CITIZEN COMMENT
Robbie Moreland stated Secretary of State regulations state that campaign contributions made as a member
of an LLC counts toward contribution limits for that individual; however, City law allows an individual to make
contributions under their own name as well as through their LLCs. She opposed the City provisions, as LLCs
are not individuals and do not receive a ballot to vote. She requested the City develop a way to align
contributions limits for LLCs with the state requirements. She expressed support for ranked choice voting, is
interested in the continued discussion on non-itemized contributions under $20, and requested the Committee
recommend doing away with anonymous donations altogether.
Jody Deschenes expressed support for the City adopting Colorado's rules regarding campaign contributions
from individuals and LLCs. She also supported independent redistricting and requested an update on the
timeline for hiring an independent redistricting consultant following the 2020 census. She supported
eliminating anonymous or non-itemized contributions under $20 and supported ranked choice voting.
Chair Pignataro noted she had previously requested staff prepare pro and con information regarding possible
alignment with state LLC contribution provisions and requested an update. Gonzales replied that topic will
be discussed at the February meeting.
Mayor Troxell requested information regarding the LLC provisions related to a home rule municipality. City
Attorney Daggett replied the City has its own set of campaign finance rules and would need to adopt
something different to match the state provisions.
Councilmember Summers stated it is important not to pick and choose what the City models locally after the
state guidelines. He asked if the intent is to make it more difficult to run for City Council than for the State
House or State Senate.
Chair Pignataro replied she would like to look at pros and cons of changing the regulations.
Councilmember Summers stated he would like to look at the state model for donations from couples. He
noted the Fort Collins model is more restrictive than state law for couples to donate to a candidate.
Mayor Troxell discussed the importance of identifying goals to be achieved prior to making changes.
Chair Pignataro noted ranked choice voting would require Council to vote to place the item on a ballot as it is
a Charter change. Knoll noted the only option to have that in place for the next City election would be to
place it on the November 2020 ballot.
Councilmember Summers stated it would be helpful to have an analysis of how many elections had more
than 2 candidates when looking at ranked voting. Knoll replied she would provide a spreadsheet of the
number of candidates in each race for each election and data on whether the winning candidate acquired
more than 50% of the vote.
Mayor Troxell discussed the recent ethics complaint regarding Mayor Pro Tem Stephens and his participation
in the Hughes Stadium site rezoning and stated it is false to claim issue committee donations are related to
individual campaigns as was suggested as part of that complaint.
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2. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 15, 2019 COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Mayor Troxell made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Summers, to adopt the November 15, 2019
Committee meeting minutes. The motion was adopted by unanimous consent.
3. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Review past Election Code changes, grouped by themes - Discussion of which areas the
Committee would like to see amended
Councilmember Summers stated the definition of a Candidate Committee was changed to specify the
common purpose is to receive contributions or make expenditures rather than and make expenditures and
asked why that change was made. City Attorney Daggett replied that change was made realizing candidate
committees would not technically meet the definition of a candidate committee until it started spending money.
Councilmember Summers suggested some context may be missing related to the candidate committee
language. Knoll replied both contributions and expenditures were required to meet the definition of a
candidate committee when the language was first written; however, there could be a situation in which the
candidate funds the committee totally by loaning the campaign money, which is not technically a contribution,
but is a loan. This would mean expenditures could be made, but contributions were not received, and the
proposed language would allow a candidate committee to either receive contributions or make expenditures,
or both.
City Attorney Daggett stated the language could be revisited as necessary.
Councilmember Summers asked if an individual could run for Council and not have a candidate committee.
City Attorney Daggett replied candidate committees are defined as “a person, including the candidate, or
persons with a common purpose, of receiving contributions, making expenditures, under the authority of the
candidate”; therefore, the definition is written to include the candidate as a person. She stated it is a
requirement of the candidate to have a committee unless there is no money being contributed.
Councilmember Summers asked if there is a time limit for which candidates are required to retain copies of
public communication, invoices, receipts, and other instruments of payment. Gonzales replied it is for a year
unless a complaint has been filed, then items must be kept until after its resolution.
Councilmember Summers asked if it must be counted as a contribution if someone from an individual's
campaign committee voluntarily sets up the candidate’s webpage. City Attorney Daggett replied certain items
online are free, and other things are not; therefore, it would depend on whether the page was placed on a
hosted site or one that could be freely used. She stated this section prohibits different rates being given to
certain candidates over others.
Councilmember Summers stated there may have been some confusion prior to the requirement that
independent expenditures must have a “paid for by” declaration. City Attorney Daggett replied most of the
confusion was on the part of complaining parties, and it was made clear that new regulations such as this do
require a fair amount of education. She stated there is opportunity to continue improving the education around
the requirements.
Chair Pignataro asked if the Code language indicates “paid for by” statements are required when money or
in-kind donations are exchanged. Assistant City Attorney Malarky noted a trigger for the use of “paid for by”
is when a candidate or committee makes an expenditure. City Attorney Daggett stated the Code language
includes examples of items that are understood to be impractical for a notice requirement.
Mayor Troxell asked if this section could include something about social media. City Attorney Daggett replied
the language does say communication shall include, but is not limited to, websites or social media of a
candidate committee, issue committee, or small-scale committee, if and to the extent they are financed by
independent expenditures.
Chair Pignataro clarified the requirement would apply to ads purchased on Facebook, for example, but not to
posts on personal pages.
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City Clerk Coldiron noted there may be some confusion and question as to what is impractical for the “paid
for by” requirement.
City Attorney Daggett mentioned the question as to whether materials from previous elections, such as yard
signs, should be required to have the “paid for by” notation.
Councilmember Summers questioned why “paid for” declarations are required. Knoll replied this came from
a request from citizens because there were very negative ballot materials against another candidate sent out
in the April 2017 election that appeared to be from the candidate's campaign, and it was difficult to identify
who had sent it.
Councilmember Summers stated that kind of issue should be the focus of what needs to be solved with a
“paid for by” requirement.
Chair Pignataro stated she would like to see this requirement used through one more election cycle before
making any amendments.
Mayor Troxell agreed.
b. Possible Election Code Changes-Review of draft Code Amendments
1. Elimination of anonymous donations
Malarky stated the direction staff received from the Committee was to eliminate all anonymous donations;
therefore, the $20 threshold has been eliminated in the draft language so any donation amount would need to
be tracked and recorded.
Mayor Troxell stated this requirement may make things simpler. City Attorney Daggett noted this requirement
would eliminate the possibility that someone could make multiple small donations that would not be tracked
under the previous regulations.
Chair Pignataro noted she would want to know who is supporting her as a candidate.
The Committee supported the proposed language on this issue.
2. Use of unexpected City election candidate contributions in a non-City election
Chair Pignataro stated she does not want this to appear as if it is being done for a specific candidate and
asked if a similar provision exists at the state level.
Councilmember Summers replied funds can be rolled over among state campaigns. He noted new
committees must be formed if the campaigns are for different offices on different levels.
Mayor Troxell noted unexpended campaign funds can now go to non-profits and other entities and suggested
a campaign for another position should also qualify under that category.
Councilmember Summers asked if leftover campaign funds are considered the candidate's funds when being
transferred from one year's campaign to another. City Attorney Daggett replied there would not be a limit on
the transferred amount.
3. Carry-over of unexpended candidate contributions to the next election cycle and the ability of the
committee to keep its same name
Malarky stated this item was intended to address a concern that was raised about having to develop a new
committee name. The Election Code Committee provided direction that candidates be able to retain the same
committee names. Knoll suggested committee names could be amended with the knowledge and
documentation that the committee is the same.
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4. Addition of a cure period for respondents in the campaign violation process
Malarky outlined the language for this proposed change.
Mayor Troxell asked about the repercussions for campaign violations that are not corrected. Malarky replied
there would then be a determination made either by the City Attorney's Office or outside counsel regarding
whether further investigation or prosecution is warranted.
5. Removal of the citizen enforcement mechanism in District Court
City Attorney Daggett stated the current Code allows the complaining party to file a case in District Court
should the City's prosecutor chose not to pursue prosecution of a violation. Staff recommends removing this
ability from the Code based on questions of constitutionality in recent court cases. She outlined a complaint
received regarding an election which was ultimately reviewed and determined to not merit further
investigation. She stated the citizen was frustrated with the time it took to investigate the complaint.
Chair Pignataro asked what options would be available for a citizen. City Attorney Daggett replied the initial
logic of the campaign finance disclosure requirements was that the political process is political and whatever
information people have about what may have happened would feed into the political process and be usable
for people who wanted to advocate for or against individual candidates, or seek recall of individual candidates.
4. OTHER BUSINESS
Chair Pignataro asked when the civil versus criminal penalty option will come before the Committee. City
Attorney Daggett stated any violation is currently a criminal misdemeanor and there are some types of
violations that staff would recommend continue to be so. She stated it is clear there is interest in backing off
consequences and intensity of enforcement for items like filing violations. She stated those issues would shift
from a criminal violation to a civil infraction or other administrative violation.
City Attorney Daggett stated staff will need to work on developing a recommendation for what the process
may look like. She noted civil infractions are punishable by fines and stated a fine schedule could be outlined.
Councilmember Summers stated it is important to delineate between oversights and mistakes versus true law
violations such as fraud, which is already illegal. He stated creating disproportionate penalties will discourage
people from serving in public office.
City Clerk Coldiron and City Attorney Daggett outlined the process by which complaints are addressed
through the two offices.
Chair Pignataro asked if the City is planning to place any items on the November 2020 ballot. City Clerk
Coldiron replied in the negative. Mayor Troxell discussed how items may emerge to be placed on the ballot.
Chair Pignataro asked about cost of adding an item to a presidential election ballot. City Clerk Coldiron
replied it would be quite expensive and noted all local items are placed near the end of the ballot.
5. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned by unanimous consent at 5:22 PM.
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February 21, 2020
ELECTION CODE COMMITTEE MEETING
3:32 PM
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Troxell, Pignataro, Summers
STAFF PRESENT: Carrie Daggett, Ryan Malarky, Delynn Coldiron, Rita Knoll, Sara Gonzales
CITIZENS PRESENT: Robbie Moreland, Michael Pruznick, Michelle Haefele, Jody Deschenes, Psyche
Spangler, Roxanne Griffin, Lori Brunswig, Kathleen Schmidt, Dick Thomas,
Adolfine Thomas, Anne Thompson, Karen Wagner
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chair Pignataro called the meeting to order.
2. CITIZEN COMMENT
Robbie Moreland suggested new election laws should strive to meet the intent of the legislative declaration
in Chapter 7 of the Municipal Code. LLC contributions should be limited, and City law should match state law
to avoid the appearance of corruption. She also supported matching state law relative to the formation of
independent expenditure committees and stated the formation of an independent expenditure committee
should be required when donations in excess of $250 have been received, or an expenditure in excess of
$250 has occurred, and donor disclosures should be required for donations of $100 or more.
Jody Deschenes stated the City's high standards should include the highest level of transparency for voters.
She requested that contributions from individual voters be limited to $75 or $100 in total, regardless of how
many LLCs are owned by that individual. She also requested candidate committees be terminated in full at
the end of each election, including liquidating all unused campaign funds, and requested that all committee
and independent expenditure reporting forms be updated to digital versus PDFs to make filing, storage, and
review easier. Ms. Deschenes also requested an update regarding the vetting and hiring of an independent
redistricting consultant and supported the use of ranked choice voting. Additionally, she requested an update
on guidelines for employment as an election judge.
Kathleen Schmidt, League of Women Voters of Larimer County, requested the City change its law to match
the state law relative to campaign contribution limits from LLCs.
Michael Pruznick discussed his energy-neutral home and stated there is a large loophole in the LLC issue.
He discussed the “paid for by” requirement and penalties for campaign violations. He mentioned legalizing
vote buying.
Anne Thompson, League of Women Voters of Larimer County, stated the League was recently approached
by members of Represent Fort Collins regarding changes that should be made regarding contribution limits
from LLCs. Fort Collins should change its laws to match those of the state.
Michelle Haefele supported aligning Fort Collins regulations with those of the state regarding LLC
contributions, and supported ranked choice voting.
Roxanne Griffin supported aligning Fort Collins regulations with those of the state regarding LLC
contributions.
Karen Wagner opposed the outside influence of money on politics and supported aligning Fort Collins
regulations with those of the state regarding LLC contributions.
Richard Thomas supported aligning Fort Collins regulations with those of the state regarding LLC
contributions and stated any Councilmembers who have accepted a contribution from an LLC should recuse
themselves from votes related to developments.
Councilmember Summers noted not all LLCs are related to developers and that Fort Collins has the lowest
contribution limits of any municipality in the state. Election codes should provide the candidate the greatest
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control over his or her election if there is a concern about who is influencing elections. He also noted state
guidelines allow $400 contributions per individual and stated local City Councilmembers are not professional
politicians. He spoke in favor of keeping money directed to candidates for their use.
Chair Pignataro asked about changing the campaign finance report forms from PDFs. Knoll replied they are
fillable PDFs but they are scanned and posted online so as to ensure the Clerk's Office date stamp is reflected.
She suggested there could be another way to address that in the future.
Regarding ranked choice voting, Councilmember Summers commented on the low number of races over the
last several elections that had candidates receiving less than 50% of the vote.
Mayor Troxell commented on ranked voting not appearing to be necessary based on prior elections.
Councilmember Summers stated he would like to get some information from other Colorado municipalities
who use ranked choice voting.
Councilmember Pignataro asked about redistricting. City Clerk Coldiron stated census data will not be
available until the first quarter of 2021 and redistricting would be based on that.
3. APPROVAL OF JANUARY 10, 2020 COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Mayor Troxell made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Summers, to adopt the January 10, 2020
Committee meeting minutes. The motion was adopted by unanimous consent.
4. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Civil versus criminal penalty options for election code violations
City Attorney Daggett stated the City has a history of limited enforcement action around campaign finance
issues and the Committee has discussed evaluating potentially changing violations from all violations being
a criminal misdemeanor to making some less egregious complaints civil infractions or administrative
violations.
Councilmember Pignataro mentioned the Committee decided at its previous meeting to leave the existing
“paid for by” requirements in place as they were just implemented in the previous code change cycle.
City Attorney Daggett stated the next meeting agenda is planned to include possible Charter amendments
related to elections.
Malarky presented information related to a possible new enforcement system. He noted the existing process
is complaint-based and complaints go through a review process by the City Attorney for probable cause, and
if probably cause is found, there would be further investigation and prosecution if deemed appropriate. All
violations of campaign finance requirements are currently criminal misdemeanors. This proposed system
makes most violations of the campaign finance requirements subject to civil penalties. Malarky outlined the
items that would remain criminal offenses under this system. The current proposal would disallow campaign
contributions from being used to pay administrative penalties.
Councilmember Summers disagreed with that recommendation.
Knoll discussed the reasoning for the draft language, stating donors provide contributions to aid in getting an
individual elected.
Councilmember Pignataro stated she could see both sides of the issue relating to whether or not campaign
contributions should be able to be used for fines.
Committee members and staff discussed the number of violations that would need to occur prior to a violation
becoming criminal.
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Councilmember Summers suggested the process related to joint account contributions would benefit from
being aligned with the state regulations.
Mayor Troxell commended the overall work of the City Attorney's Office stating the changes align with the
Committee discussions.
b. City regulation of LLC campaign contributions
Malarky stated this proposed language amends the campaign contributions and expenditures Code section
related to contribution limits. The change mirrors state law and would require an LLC to submit a written
statement to the candidate or candidate committee when it makes a contribution, providing the name and
address of all the members of the LLC, information on how the contribution will be attributed to those individual
members, and the contributions made by the LLC as they are attributed to the members. The contributions
would then count toward the individual contribution limits of the members.
Mayor Troxell asked about the situation in relation to a C-corporation. Malarky replied this is strictly related
to LLCs.
Mayor Troxell questioned the legal structure of an LLC and how it is considered beyond being a legal entity.
City Attorney Daggett stated she has not examined the rationale for looking at LLCs only as opposed to other
types of business entities, though it is likely because an LLC is easier to form and there are fewer related
consequences to forming an LLC than other types of business entities.
Councilmember Summers stated the rules as they are now are not discriminatory in terms of one candidate
over another and suggested changing the regulations will allow LLCs to make the same contributions to an
independent expenditure committee rather than to an individual candidate which takes control away from the
candidate.
Knoll commented on nested LLCs which may need to be addressed in these provisions. City Attorney Daggett
stated that could be addressed by requiring information if a member is not a natural person.
Mayor Troxell supported increasing the maximum donation amount for each individual if the LLC regulations
are changed.
Councilmember Pignataro stated she would not support that.
Councilmember Summers stated it would be interesting to have data related to LLC contributions from the
last election to ensure recommended changes are not reactionary.
Mayor Troxell stated he does not believe there is corruption involved in LLC contributions and questioned
whether changes would improve the system. He questioned what problem is being solved.
Councilmember Pignataro stated the problem as she sees it is that LLC contributions take the power away
from individual voters and place it with entities that have more money.
Mayor Troxell disagreed. Councilmember Summers noted individuals still cast ballots.
5. OTHER BUSINESS
Chair Pignataro suggested that joint account contributions be addressed at a later meeting.
6. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned by unanimous consent at 5:25 PM.
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May 1, 2020
ELECTION CODE COMMITTEE MEETING
3:30 PM
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Troxell, Pignataro, Summers, Stephens (alternate)
STAFF PRESENT: Carrie Daggett, Ryan Malarkey, Delynn Coldiron, Rita Knoll, Sara Gonzales
CITIZENS PRESENT: Michelle Haefele, Jody Deschenes, Kathleen Schmidt, Robbie Moreland, Jan Rossi
(Secretary's Note: Due to the COVID-19 crisis and state and local orders to remain safer at home and not
gather, all Councilmembers, staff, and public attended the meeting remotely, via teleconference.)
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chair Pignataro called the meeting to order and discussed the Zoom remote participation.
2. CITIZEN COMMENT
Kathleen Schmidt, Election Reform Team Chair for the League of Women Voters of Larimer County,
supported the City matching the state law regarding campaign contributions from LLCs.
Robbie Moreland thanked Council for its work during this time and supported a requirement to wear face
masks in public buildings. She expressed support for matching the state law regarding campaign
contributions from LLCs.
Jan Rossi opposed the current LLC contribution regulations in Fort Collins. stating money buys influence.
She supported aligning the City's regulations with the state law.
Michelle Haefele reiterated the City's legislative declaration for campaigns. Large campaign contributions
create the potential for corruption and the appearance of corruption and the public interest is best served by
limiting campaign contributions. She supported changing the City's election rules to align with those of the
state to limit the total contribution of any individual.
Jody Deschenes commended staff and Council for carrying on with responsibilities under unique and
challenging circumstances. She supported keeping campaign contribution limits as is, stating most grass
roots candidates would not receive a benefit from increased limits.
3. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 21, 2020 COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Mayor Troxell made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Summers, to adopt the February 21, 2020
Committee meeting minutes. The motion was adopted by unanimous consent.
4. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. City Regulation of LLC Campaign Contributions
Chair Pignataro stated her impression is that this Committee will not likely come to a strict agreement
regarding this item; therefore, she suggested no LLC changes be included in the package of changes sent to
Council and, if desired, the entire Council could take up the issue.
Councilmember Summers agreed noting the current LLC regulations have been in place for decades. He
took exception to statements of corruption without any type of proof.
Mayor Troxell agreed and stated the Committee should move on.
Chair Pignataro stated Mayor Troxell and Councilmember Summers are in favor of leaving the LLC
regulations unchanged; however, she is a proponent of changing them. The Committee will send its package
of changes forward to Council without changes in the LLC language at this time and the entire Council could
take up the issue at that time.
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b. Possible Charter Amendments Relating to Elections
i. Amend Article VIII, Section 9 Corrupt Practices
Assistant City Attorney Ryan Malarky stated this item concerns a section of the Charter that came to the
attention of Council and the Committee after the last election cycle. Several citizen complaints were filed
concerning alleged Election Code violations. Questions were raised as to the consequences or penalties if
an allegation is sustained and someone is ultimately convicted of an Election Code violation.
Malarky outlined the existing penalties, including a ban on holding City office or employment for a certain
number of years, which seem to be fairly significant and stated staff wanted to give the Committee an
opportunity to discuss this section to see if there is any interest in making changes.
Clarifying the portion that addresses “at a city election” could be considered. Malarky questioned if this
provision is intended to apply to election-related offenses that would have an impact on the outcome of an
election or call into question the propriety of City elections. He also noted there is a difference between civil
violations and criminal violations, the latter of which generally have stricter penalties. The Committee could
consider this provision being triggered only by a criminal violation as opposed to something that would be
strictly civil.
Mayor Troxell supported getting more information and involving more discussion, perhaps in the form of a
work session.
City Attorney Daggett suggested it may be helpful for staff to develop some different versions for consideration
at the next meeting.
Mayor Troxell and Chair Pignataro agreed with that suggestion.
City Attorney Daggett outlined what she has heard in the discussion including recognition that this section
needs to be related to what would be considered significant offenses that relate to an election or campaign.
(Secretary’s note: Councilmember Summers left the meeting at this point and Mayor Pro Tem Stephens
stepped in as Committee alternate)
ii. Amend Article VIII, Section 8 regarding participation in elections by political parties, city employees, public
service corporations or any other person intending to apply for a franchise or have a contract with the
City
City Attorney Daggett stated an executive session might be helpful to discuss legal issues. This item is on
the agenda as there were some issues that came up during the last election related to some employee
organizations and generally related to this section. The key part of the section staff is suggesting the
Committee may want to consider is the limitation on contributions or expenditures of any money or valuable
things, directly or indirectly, to assist in the election or defeat of a candidate by any of the following: a political
party, a City employee, a public service corporation, and any person, firm, or corporation owning, interested
in, or intending to apply for, any franchise or contract with the City.
Mayor Pro Tem Stephens made a motion, seconded by Mayor Troxell, that the Election Code Committee go
into Executive Session for the purpose of meeting with the City's attorneys and City Clerk's Office staff to
discuss the following matters as permitted under City Charter Article II, Section 11-2, City Code Section 2-
31(a)(2), and Colorado Revised Statute Section 24-6-402(4)(b): the manner in which the particular policies,
practices, or regulations of the City related to City elections may be affected by existing or proposed provisions
of federal, state, or local law. Yeas: Pignataro, Troxell, and Stephens. Nays: none.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
(Secretary 's Note: The Committee went into Executive Session at this point in the meeting and returned at
5:15 pm.)
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Chair Pignataro stated there is value in looking at this section more carefully at next month's meeting.
Mayor Troxell and Mayor Pro Tem Stephens concurred.
iii. Amend Article II, Section 4 to conform with Article II, Section 1(d) to reflect the selection of Mayor Pro
Tem does not occur until recount period has expired
City Attorney Daggett stated this issue was created when the Charter was amended in 2017, but a provision
was missed that needs to be modified, given the recount procedure and time needed to finalize the
certification of the election. This would be a corrective edit to the Charter that would ensure the newly elected
Council is selecting the Mayor Pro Tem. Staff has discussed an idea that sets a specific date for swearing in
of the new Council and subsequent actions, such as selecting a Mayor Pro Tem, would tie into that date.
City Clerk Coldiron stated a having a date certain for swearing in of new Councilmembers seems to make
sense as the Clerk's Office received many questions after the last election and there was disagreement as to
when to move forward with certain actions. This would build certainty into the process.
City Attorney Daggett noted the Charter states a Councilmember's term continues until a successor is sworn
in and having a date certain for the swearing in would provide more predictability.
Chief Deputy City Clerk Knoll stated a full course of a recount and election certification could be out as far as
the second Tuesday in May. She also noted there have been issues wherein some Councilmembers are
subject to a recount and others are not.
Chair Pignataro asked if the language could be changed to select the Mayor Pro Tem at the first regular
meeting after the new Council is sworn in. City Attorney Daggett replied that could work if it was made clear
that would occur after each seat is resolved and after the completion of any recount.
Chief Deputy City Clerk Knoll noted if no recount is requested, the opportunity to swear in Councilmembers
would be sooner, which is one argument against setting a date certain for swearing in. However, setting a
date certain would be more similar to county and state offices.
Chair Pignataro stated she would like to receive additional information from staff regarding preferences and
ease of understanding for voters as this is a Charter amendment.
Chair Pignataro suggested staff return at the next meeting with information as to what would be affected by
adding a date certain.
Mayor Troxell stated the entire Council should be seated prior to selecting a Mayor Pro Tem. He asked about
the timeframe for a requested recount. Deputy City Clerk Gonzales replied a recount must be requested
within five days after certification of the election, which is ten days after the election.
City Attorney Daggett suggested there could be two alternative set dates, one in the case of a recount, and
one if there is no recount. Chief Deputy City Clerk Knoll recommended that those two options are likely the
first meeting in May or the second meeting in May, or potentially a special meeting at the end of April.
Chair Pignataro suggested staff return with options at the next meeting.
Mayor Troxell suggested the swearing in does not necessarily need to occur on a Tuesday.
(Secretary's Note: Mayor Troxell left the meeting at this point.)
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iv. Amend Article VIII, Section 4(a) to eliminate requirement that the affidavit of circulator contain a
statement of the number of signers on that section of the petition
Chief Deputy City Clerk Knoll stated this provision was eliminated in one portion of the Charter, but staff
recently discovered a hold over of similar language in another section. This change will clarify that language.
Mayor Pro Tem Stephens stated that language cleanup makes sense.
5. OTHER BUSINESS
Mayor Pro Tem Stephens stated there may be some desire from the rest of Council to bring forward the issue
related to LLC campaign contributions and suggested staff may want to have language prepared.
City Attorney Daggett stated there may be benefit in having a Council work session to discuss some of these
issues.
Chair Pignataro noted the importance of timing as Charter amendments would need to be on the April ballot.
6. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned by unanimous consent at 5:43 PM.
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June 5, 2020
ELECTION CODE COMMITTEE MEETING
3:30 PM
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Troxell, Pignataro, Summers
STAFF PRESENT: Carrie Daggett, Ryan Malarky, Delynn Coldiron, Rita Knoll, Kelly DiMartino
CITIZENS PRESENT: Jody Deschenes, Robbie Moreland, Kathleen Schmidt, Kevin Jones, Jan Rossi,
Michele Haefele
(Secretary's Note: Due to the COVID-19 crisis and state and local orders to remain safer at home and not
gather, all Councilmembers, staff, and citizens attended the meeting remotely, via teleconference.)
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chair Pignataro called the meeting to order and discussed the Zoom remote participation.
2. CITIZEN COMMENT
Robbie Moreland thanked the Committee for sending the recommendation to eliminate anonymous
contributions to the entire Council. She stated there is no limit on donations from individuals to political
committees in Fort Collins but at the state level, that limit is $625 per two-year election cycle. She requested
the Committee address this campaign finance loophole as soon as possible. She requested confirmation on
her assertions that the limits do not exist, and that political committees can coordinate with candidates.
Jody Deschenes stated there are currently no limits on donations from individuals to political committees and
no prohibition of coordination between candidates and political committees. She requested contributions to
political committees be limited to $100. She thanked the Committee for recommending to Council that
anonymous donations be eliminated.
Kathleen Schmidt, League of Women Voters of Larimer County, thanked the Committee for its work. She
expressed support for matching the state law regarding campaign contribution limits from LLCs.
Chair Pignataro asked if it is true there is no limit on contributions to political committees and that there is no
prohibition of political committees coordinating with candidates. City Attorney Daggett replied the definitions
of the different types of committees do not necessarily describe contribution limits; however, there is a Code
provision that specifically states committees of all types shall not coordinate expenditures with any other such
committee in a manner that circumvents any restrictions or limitations on campaign contributions,
expenditures, or reporting. She stated there are no limits on expenditures of committees because the
campaign finance system in the Code, with the exception of the limitations on contributions to candidates, is
aimed at essentially bringing light to expenditures through disclosures. The reason for that is that First
Amendment protections exist for political speech.
City Attorney Daggett clarified there is a limit on contributions to candidates, but not to political or issue
committees. Staff is in the process of writing a memo addressing these topics.
Mayor Troxell noted self-funding of campaigns can occur as well and he discussed the importance of
candidates wanting to control their own messaging.
3. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF MAY 1, 2020 COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Mayor Troxell made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Summers, to adopt the May 1, 2020 Committee
meeting minutes. The motion was adopted by unanimous consent.
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4. STAFF REPORT: Overview of Code changes previously approved by the Election Code Committee
and proposed timeline of changes to City's Election Code.
Ryan Malarkey, City Attorney's Office, outlined the previously approved Code changes which include the
elimination of anonymous donations, addressing allowing candidates to use unexpended candidate
committee contributions for a non-City election or a subsequent City election, and making the majority of
campaign finance violations administrative penalties rather than criminal violations, among other items.
Chief Deputy City Clerk Knoll stated there is one more ECC meeting scheduled as proposed Charter
amendments will need to go before the full Council by July or August to make the November ballot. The
timeline for Charter amendments is different as they must be put on the ballot by ordinance, which requires
two readings.
City Attorney Daggett noted staff has considered having a work session for the entire Council on July 14.
Chair Pignataro supported adding these items for discussion.
5. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Possible Charter Amendments
i. Consideration of possible amendment to City Charter Article VIII, Section 4(a) to eliminate the
requirement that the affidavit of circulator contain a statement of the number of signers on that
section of the petition.
(No discussion needed; ECC previously supported bringing this forward to City Council.)
ii. Consideration of possible amendment to City Charter Article II, Section 4 to conform with Article
II, Section 1(d) to reflect the selection of Mayor Pro Tem does not occur until recount period has
expired.
Knoll stated the last round of amendments included a change related to when Council takes office, but no
amendments were made to when the Mayor Pro Tem is selected, which has resulted in conflicting language.
She outlined options for language clarification and provided pros and cons for various options.
Mayor Troxell asked how long the outgoing Council would sit. Knoll replied they always remain until the new
members are sworn in.
Mayor Troxell suggested taking the two options to the work session perhaps with a preferred option from the
Commission.
Councilmember Summers stated it would be beneficial to get feedback from the full Council on this item.
Committee members and staff discussed the timeline issues with both options. Chair Pignataro stated the
option that provides more time could allow for onboarding to occur, which would be an advantage.
Councilmember Summers discussed the possibility of establishing a date for the oaths of office and selection
of the Mayor Pro Tem with the caveat that those dates would change if a recount is requested. Knoll replied
that is essentially option one; however, there is no way to predict when the date of swearing in will be until
the deadline to request a recount has passed.
Mayor Troxell asked what would trigger a mandatory recount. Knoll replied it is a difference of less than one
half of one percent; however, anyone can request a recount and fund it themselves.
Councilmember Summers stated he would favor option one. Mayor Troxell concurred and stated he would
prefer the swearing in to be closer to the election.
Councilmember Summers asked if the November coordinated election is occurring only for these issues. City
Clerk Coldiron replied these are the only City matters as of right now.
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Councilmember Summers asked about the cost of a coordinated election. City Clerk Coldiron replied the
cost is based on the number of registered voters, as well as the number of other jurisdictions that are
participating. The exact cost is difficult to determine, but there will be additional costs because it is a
presidential election. If the ballot becomes two pages, there is a significant additional cost. She estimated
the cost to be at least $200,000.
Councilmember Summers questioned whether that cost would be worth it when the items could be rolled into
the regular City election in April. City Attorney Daggett stated a ballot question could be written for the April
election that would make the effective date of the changes immediate.
Chair Pignataro suggested the Committee continue the discussion at the full Council work session.
Chair Pignataro asked if there is a hierarchy to be considered for the coordinated election. Knoll replied there
is a hierarchy for how questions are placed on the ballot, with municipalities following state and county items.
When the City participated in the 2012 presidential election, the cost to the City was $292,000, which did not
include a second page.
iii. Consideration of possible amendment to City Charter Article VIII, Section 9 regarding corrupt
practices.
City Attorney Daggett noted the issue that triggered this possible Charter amendment was the question about
campaign finance complaints and the risk that someone who is elected to office would be found to have had
a campaign finance violation. She stated the Code provisions reviewed by Malarky and the Commission over
the past few meetings address that issue for the most part. There have not been many issues with this
Charter provision from a practical standpoint.
City Attorney Daggett stated if there was concern about the Charter provision applying to activities in advance
of the April election, then a Charter change should perhaps be proposed to voters.
Chair Pignataro stated she is leaning toward leaving the provision as is for now.
Councilmember Summers supported leaving the provision as is or going with the option of deleting it and
having it in the Code as an ordinance. Mayor Troxell agreed.
City Attorney Daggett noted there is a challenge when discussing constraining someone from serving in a
Council seat if the ordinance is contained in the Code rather than a provision in the Charter.
City Attorney Daggett suggested Malarky explain options 2 and 3, as well. Malarkey replied there has been
a question as to the definition of “at a City election” and both options 2 and 3 attempt to clarify that. Option 2
contains a specific intent element which would make the provision a little more specific as to the type of
conduct it is trying to address. It also contains a timeframe limitation for specific offenses. Option 3 has the
same narrowing of timeframe and types of offenses, but without the specific intent element. Malarky
acknowledged trying to prove intent can be challenging.
Chair Pignataro stated the intent piece introduces more confusion.
City Attorney Daggett clarified this item deals with the mechanics of the election rather than campaign
activities.
Chair Pignataro asked what problem is being solved by this change. City Attorney Daggett replied the current
language is vague in the sense that it talks about violating any law at a City election. It may or may not be
an urgent problem in the sense that it has not actually been a problem other than during the last few elections
when the number of complaints has increased and there has been more risk of someone being convicted of
a campaign finance violation as a criminal misdemeanor. With the Code changes recommended by the
Committee, that will no longer an issue.
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Councilmember Summers made some language suggestions. City Attorney Daggett replied staff will return
with some options for how this could be approached at the next meeting.
iv. Consideration of possible amendment to City Charter Article VII, Section 8 regarding participation
in elections by political parties, City employees, public service corporations or any other person
intending to apply for a franchise or have a contract with the City.
The Committee postponed consideration of this item to the next meeting.
6. OTHER BUSINESS
None.
7. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned by unanimous consent at 5:00 PM.
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July 1, 2020
ELECTION CODE COMMITTEE MEETING
4:00 PM
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Troxell, Pignataro, Summers
STAFF PRESENT: Carrie Daggett, Ryan Malarky, Delynn Coldiron, Rita Knoll, Sara Gonzales
CITIZENS PRESENT: Jody Deschenes and Robbie Moreland
(Secretary's Note: Due to the COVID-19 crisis and state and local orders to remain safer at home and not
gather, all Councilmembers, staff, and citizens attended the meeting remotely, via teleconference.)
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chair Pignataro called the meeting to order and discussed the Zoom remote participation process.
2. CITIZEN COMMENT
Robbie Moreland stated she would like the Committee to discuss contribution limits to political committees.
Avenues of unlimited spending still exists at both the local and state levels in the form of issue committees
and independent expenditures.
Jody Deschenes noted the Committee did not agree to support limiting LLC contributions to candidate
committees; therefore, she and others reached out for support from the remaining Councilmembers at the
last Council meeting and she looks forward to the full Council discussion on implementing the change. Limits
should exist on contributions to political committees and she looks forward to a full Council discussion on this
as well. Deschenes requested discussions regarding updating campaign finance forms to some sort of
accessible online database and allowing electronic signature collection for petitions.
3. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF JUNE 5, 2020 COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Mayor Troxell made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Summers, to adopt the June 5, 2020 Committee
meeting minutes. The motion was adopted by unanimous consent.
4. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Possible Charter Amendments
i. Consideration of possible amendments to City Charter Article VIII, Section 8 regarding
participation in elections by political parties, City employees, public service corporations or any
other person intending to apply for a franchise or have a contract with the City
City Attorney Daggett stated this item was placed on the agenda as there had been a great deal of question
and discussion during the 2019 election around this Section of the Charter and what the limit on City employee
direct or indirect contributions meant. In order for these changes to be in effect for the April 2021 election,
Charter amendments would need to be considered on the November ballot. At this point in time, there is no
specific plan to move forward with a special election in November and associated costs are expected to be
several hundred thousand dollars. It is worth considering whether trying to move this forward now is
necessary, though it is still possible should Council desire.
Councilmember Summers asked if this provision applies to Councilmembers. City Attorney Daggett replied
there is a distinction between the Council as elected officials, or City officers, and other City employees.
Mayor Troxell asked if this applies to any other type of election. City Attorney Daggett replied it only applies
to City Council candidate elections and does not interfere with employees participating on their own time
using their own resources regarding issues in a City election.
Mayor Troxell asked how this provision applies to spouses. City Attorney Daggett replied it is limited to
actions of the City employee.
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Mayor Troxell expressed support for increasing clarity, but suggested the Charter language should remain as
is.
Chair Pignataro agreed with Mayor Troxell and stated ballot wording is critical to lessen confusion.
City Attorney Daggett stated the Committee may want to state to the full Council it does not recommend
action in terms of putting this item on the November ballot, but may want to ask staff to consider what clarifying
language could be put in the Code to interpret the provision. Chair Pignataro and Mayor Troxell agreed with
that assessment.
ii. Consideration of possible amendments to City Charter Article VIII, Section 9 regarding corrupt
practices
Ryan Malarky, Assistant City Attorney, stated this item came to Council's attention in the last election cycle
when there was an enforcement action that implicated this provision, specifically the portion that would have
disqualified a person from holding Council office. In response to some of the concerns raised, staff
researched the issue to attempt to bring some clarity to the purpose of the provision and what issues it may
be trying to address. Research did not provide any clear answer as to what “at a City election” means;
therefore, staff has provided some options to help bring clarity to the meaning of the Charter provision.
Malarky stated switching from a criminal process to an administrative penalty process would aid in alleviating
concerns raised about this Section. One approach could be to not recommend a change to this Section now
and see how the Council decides to approach the administrative penalty process. Another approach could
be to send the administrative process to Council while simultaneously moving forward with changes to this
language.
City Attorney Daggett noted there was discussion at the last Committee meeting about a modification to the
Charter that would include a reference to disqualifying events and that could be included in a package of
Charter changes when others come forward.
Mayor Troxell supported the first option to not act on the Charter language aspect at this time. Chair Pignataro
agreed.
Councilmember Summers stated it makes sense to have administrative penalties for things that are not
corrupt practices. He discussed the importance of contextualizing City policies.
City Attorney Daggett stated staff will work to have the Code changes finalized for discussion at the upcoming
Council work session and consideration in August.
5. OTHER BUSINESS
a. Petitioning Process Update
Chair Pignataro noted the Colorado Supreme Court declared today that online petitions are not to be allowed.
Malarky stated the Court issued a ruling in a case that specifically challenged the Governor's order allowing
online petitioning. The Court ruled online petitioning is unconstitutional as the state constitution requires in-
person petitioning. He stated the effect of this on the City will be examined by staff.
Mayor Troxell noted there have been active signature solicitors recently.
Chair Pignataro asked if the Clerk's Office is still working on making campaign forms searchable. Chief
Deputy City Clerk Knoll replied the date stamping issue has been resolved; however, forms are not required
to be filled electronically; therefore, some handwritten reports are still received and those would have to be
scanned and would not be searchable. She would like to require all parties to use the provided Excel
spreadsheet, however, there were issues in the last election where people converted those to other software,
and they were not formatted properly when returned. Forms returned in proper Excel format can be converted
to a searchable PDF.
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Attachment: Election Code Committee Minutes (9410 : Election Code Changes)
July 1, 2020
City of Fort Collins Page 3
Chair Pignataro asked how to require candidates to use the provided Excel spreadsheet. Knoll replied staff
has yet to discuss whether that can be legislated in the Code. City Attorney Daggett replied that could be
examined to be included as part of the August changes.
Committee members and staff discussed the reporting requirements.
Mayor Troxell commended the City Clerk's Office for being service-oriented, particularly for first-time
candidates.
Knoll noted the Excel spreadsheet format is helpful to avoid math errors.
City Attorney Daggett noted the Code already states that reports are to be submitted on forms provided by
the City Clerk.
Chair Pignataro commended staff work on the memo regarding political committees.
Malarky stated the memo responds to some questions that came up at a recent Council meeting following
public comment. The questions include how political action committees are regulated by the City Code,
whether there is a limit on the amount of contributions that can be made to a political committee, and whether
political committees have the ability to coordinate with other types of committees.
Knoll noted the City does not allow political committees to make contributions to candidate committees,
though the state law does.
City Attorney Daggett noted any time the City is taking action that limits political activity, it creates a need to
ensure First Amendment issues are being considered.
Chair Pignataro noted political committees, small-scale issue committees, and issue committees do not have
contribution limits and asked if all three types of committees have the same types of attributes. City Attorney
Daggett replied small-scale issue committees are handling so little money that the requirements to which they
are subject has been pared back, pursuant to applicable case law. When one of those committees grows
beyond that threshold, it becomes an issue committee. Issue committees focus on ballot questions whereas
political committees are focused on candidate races, although they cannot coordinate with, nor make direct
contributions to, candidates.
Chair Pignataro stated she is not comfortable making a change at this point.
City Clerk Coldiron stated there are no additional Committee meetings scheduled and noted the work of the
Committee would typically stop at this point until after the next election. Staff will put forth an item calling for
a special election in November simply as a placeholder.
Chair Pignataro asked if the Committee would need to meet again should Charter amendments be desired
to be placed on the April ballot. City Clerk Coldiron replied that could either go before the Committee at
another meeting or could go before the full Council.
Chair Pignataro suggested not scheduling another meeting at this time but waiting until after the work session
to see if it would be needed. Mayor Troxell and Councilmember Summers concurred.
6. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned by unanimous consent at 4:55 PM.
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Attachment: Election Code Committee Minutes (9410 : Election Code Changes)
August 25, 2020
Proposed Election Code Amendments
Delynn Coldiron, Rita Knoll, Ryan Malarky
ATTACHMENT 5
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9410 : Election Code Changes)
Strategic Alignment
2
High Performing
Government
7.2
Maintain the public trust
through a high
performing board, as
well as organizational
transparency, legal and
ethical behavior and
regulatory compliance.
High Performing
Government
7.9
Proactively influence
policy and legislative
development at all
levels.
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9410 : Election Code Changes)
Questions for Council
1. What concerns or questions do Councilmembers have regarding the
proposed Code amendments?
2. Are Councilmembers ready for staff to bring the proposed Code
amendments forward for Council consideration on September 1,
2020?
3
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9410 : Election Code Changes)
Major Changes from Last Round
4
• Committee Structure, Registration and Termination
• Filing Requirements
• Contributions/Expenditures
• Campaign Finance Reporting
• Campaign Regulations
• Independent Expenditures
• Complaints
• Ballot Processing
• Post-Election Items Source: lovethispic.com
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9410 : Election Code Changes)
City Campaign Committees – Part One
Category Definition - Purpose Register
?
Reports
?
“Paid for
By”
?
Candidate
Committee
One or more persons for common purpose of receiving
contributions or making expenditures under authority of
candidate; open and active until terminated.
YES
YES
YES
Political
Committee
Two or more persons associated for common purpose
of accepting contributions or making expenditures to
support or oppose one or more candidates OR
Any person accepting contributions for that purpose.
YES
YES
YES
5
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9410 : Election Code Changes)
City Campaign Committees – Part Two
Category Definition - Purpose Register
?
Reports
?
“Paid for
By”
?
Small-Scale
Issue
Committee
Two or more persons associated for common purpose
of accepting contributions or making expenditures to
support or oppose any ballot issue or ballot question OR
Any person accepting contributions for that purpose.
NO until
$200
Received
Or
Spent
NO until
$200
Received
Or
Spent
NO until
$200
Received
Or
Spent
Issue
Committee
Two or more persons associated for common purpose
of accepting contributions or making expenditures to
support or oppose any ballot issue or ballot question OR
Any person accepting contributions for that purpose.
YES
YES
YES
6
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9410 : Election Code Changes)
Independent Expenditures
Category Definition - Purpose Register
?
Reports
?
“Paid for
By”
?
Independent
Expenditures
Payment of money by other than a committee to
advocate the election, defeat or recall of a candidate
or supporting or opposing a ballot issue or ballot
question. (Excludes news articles or other unpaid
public media, expenditures in the regular course of
scope of business by an organization to its
members/employees.
NO
YES
If total
$250 or
more
Must
report on
all.
YES
7
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9410 : Election Code Changes)
Changes Proposed this Round
• Elimination of Non-Itemized Contributions
• Use of Unexpended Campaign Funds
• Carry Over of Candidate Committee Contributions
• Changes to the Campaign Finance Violation Process
• Financial Disclosure Statement Filing
• Regulation of Limited Liability Company (LLC) Contributions
• Limitations of Contributions to Political Committees
8
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9410 : Election Code Changes)
Non-Itemized Contributions
9
Source: Masterfile.com
Source: en.Wikipedia.org
Proposed change would ensure all
contributions are accounted for. No
more anonymous donations.
Source: boardeffect.com
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9410 : Election Code Changes)
Unused Campaign Contributions
10
City
Candidate
City
Candidate
(Proposed)
City
Candidate
Federal
Race
State
Race
County
Race
City
Race
January 2021
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9410 : Election Code Changes)
Carry Over of Funds and Committee Name
11
2019
ABC
Committee
Remaining
Campaign
Balance
2021
ABC
Committee
Starting
Campaign
Balance
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9410 : Election Code Changes)
Campaign Violation Process
12
Issue Recommended Action
Civil penalty process
• Initial review by City Attorney
• 7-day cure period for alleged
violations
• Civil infraction process before
Municipal Court
• Fines imposed for items not cured.
Criminal penalty process
• Fraudulent misrepresentation
• Offering/accepting bribes
• When found liable for two previous
violations
Amend Code to:
• Make incomplete/inconsistent reports subject
to a civil penalty process
• Create schedule of civil violations together
with monetary penalties
• Create new Code language for processing
complaints subject to civil penalty process
• Change hearing process to include an
assistant judge (might impact budget)
• Eliminate provision that allows a complainant
to bring a civil action in District Court
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9410 : Election Code Changes)
Proposed Violations and Penalties
13
Code Section Fine Amount
7-134 – Registration of committees; termination. $150 first offense; $300 each subsequent
offense
7-135 – Campaign contributions/expenditures. $100 first offense; $200 each subsequent
offense
7-136 – Disclosure; filing of reports. $100 first offense; $200 each subsequent
offense
7-137(b) – Reports to be public record. $50 first offense; $100 each subsequent offense
7-138 – Unexpended campaign contributions. $100 first offense; $200 each subsequent
offense
7-139 – Independent expenditures $100 first offense; $200 each subsequent
offense
7-140 – Responsibility for communications. $50 first offense; $100 each subsequent offense
7-141 – Expenditures for political advertising;
rates and charges.
$50 first offense; $100 each subsequent offense
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9410 : Election Code Changes)
Limited Liability Contributions
14
Image from showmeinstitute.org
• LLCs are considered a “person” (separate from a natural person).
• LLC can make the maximum allowable contribution to a candidate.
• Does not count towards the maximum allowable contribution a natural
person (who may be part of the LLC) can contribute.
Local
Provisions
• Contributions from an LLC must be accompanied by a written
statement indicating how the contribution is attributed among the LLC
members.
• Attributed contribution counts toward the aggregate contribution limit of
an individual as a person.
State
Provisions
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9410 : Election Code Changes)
Limitation on Contributions to Political Committees
15
Image from showmeinstitute.org
• Can accept contributions or make expenditures to support or oppose
one or more candidates. No limits on contributions.
• Cannot make direct contributions to any other committees.
• Cannot coordinate expenditures with other committees in a manner
that circumvents restrictions or limitations on campaign contributions.
Local
Provisions
• Limits the amount of contributions that can be received and made to
other committees.
• Allows Political Committees to make direct contributions to candidate
committees.
State
Provisions
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9410 : Election Code Changes)
Clean Up Item
Financial Disclosure Filing Requirements
• Aligns filing requirements for seated
and new Councilmembers
•May 15th
of each year.
16
Photo Credit: becklaw.net
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9410 : Election Code Changes)
Charter Changes
• Article II, Section 4 – Date of Selection of Mayor Pro Tem
• Article VIII, Section 4(a) – Affidavit of Circulator
• Article VIII, Section 8 – Participation by political parties, city employees
and public service corporations.
• Article VIII, Section 9 – Corrupt Practices.
17
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9410 : Election Code Changes)
Questions for Council
1. What concerns or questions do Councilmembers have regarding the
proposed Code amendments?
2. Are Councilmembers ready for staff to bring the proposed Code
amendments forward for Council consideration on September 1,
2020?
18
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Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (9410 : Election Code Changes)
DATE:
STAFF:
August 25, 2020
Honore Depew, Interim Policy and Project Manager
John Stokes, Natural Resources Director
Kelly DiMartino, Deputy City Manager
WORK SESSION ITEM
City Council
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Parks & Recreation Master Plan
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this item is to seek feedback on specific draft sections of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan,
including policy recommendations, classifications for parks and recreational facilities, and levels of service. An
overview of the Master Plan process and findings to date will be presented by Andrew Dobshinsky, Associate
Planner with The Olin Studio.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. What feedback do Councilmembers have on the draft sections of the Master Plan?
a. Level of Service
b. Classification & Design Guidelines
c. Policy Framework
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
The Parks and Recreation Policy Plan was last updated in 2008, (now called a Master Plan). Community
expectations have evolved, and survey data collected during this planning process provide insights into these
evolving community perspectives. The Master Plan update effort began in late 2019 and a final draft is expected
to be ready for review and adoption in the Q4 of 2020. Council previously discussed this item in October 2019 and
June 2020 (Attachment 1).
Since last year, staff has been working with a consultant team, stakeholders, and the community to identify parks
and recreation needs, assess how Fort Collins compares to other peer and benchmark communities, and identify
key issues and priorities the plan should address. Identifying a strategy for park refresh is a desired outcome of
the plan, as well as a Council priority for 2020.
Based on extensive community engagement (Attachment 2) previous Council direction, and staff input, the
consultant team has provided several sections of the Master Plan in draft form for review. The focus of this work
session is to seek feedback on those draft sections listed below and included as attachments.
Key Findings & Opportunities
A key concept that has emerged in this update to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan is how the system is
viewed overall - the concept of imageability. From the perspective of most residents and visitors, it is access to
the complete inventory of parks, recreational facilities, trails, natural areas, and other open space (such as
stormwater management property and schools) that matters. How these elements are classified, funded, and
managed is important administratively, but for the public to visit and enjoy them it only matters how accessible
and connected they are.
Staff and the consulting team are conducting a thorough and detailed analysis of the entire inventory of parks and
recreational facilities. The assessment includes an appraisal of assets and amenities throughout the system using
benchmark communities, national trends, and survey data as guideposts.
Analysis includes careful scrutiny of accessibility to different features of the system and sets standards for access.
The analysis also includes an evaluation of the funding structures in place to support development, maintenance,
3
Packet Pg. 103
August 25, 2020 Page 2
replacement, and programing. The Council Finance Committee discussed medium- and long-term funding
strategies at its July meeting and will consider more detailed findings related to options for funding strategies at its
September meeting.
Level of Service
The Level of Service section of the Master Plan seeks to answer the question how many parks and recreational
amenities do we need and where should they go?
There are generally two types of standards that communities use to analyze service: population-based standards
and access standards. The Parks and Recreation Master Plan defines both population-based and access
standards by amenity. (Attachment 3)
Classification & Design Guidelines
Defining how we classify the parks and recreational facilities in our community helps to answer the question what
types do we have now and what types should we have in the future?
Currently, the City uses two park classifications: community parks and neighborhood parks. The City does not
currently use a classification system for recreational facilities. Community parks are generally differentiated from
neighborhood parks by their large sizes, which can accommodate more amenities, and unique identities.
However, the system of parks and recreation facilities encompasses a broad range of places that differ in size,
amenities, design, usage, and programming.
Consistent Design Guidelines for parks and recreational facilities provide a number of benefits for the organization
and community in relation to design, context, access and connectivity, wayfinding, zones, and features.
(Attachment 4)
Policy Framework
The basis for plan recommendations is the adoption of broad Goals for an ideal future state, Actions that move
the system towards that future, and specific Methods or steps that implement the goals and actions.
The following proposed Goals for the master plan were developed based on expert analysis, Council direction,
staff input, and community engagement:
1. Provide equitable access to parks.
2. Provide equitable access to recreational experiences.
3. Expand the active transportation network to support access to parks and recreation.
4. Protect and enhance natural, historic, and cultural resources in parks and increase related activities.
5. Enhance the financial sustainability of parks and recreation.
6. Strengthen partnerships to leverage resources for mutual benefit.
7. Ensure parks, paved trails, and recreation facilities are operated and maintained efficiently and to defined
standards.
8. Promote the synergy between parks, recreation, and economic health.
9. Improve marketing and communication to enhance operations and user satisfaction.
10. Elevate the design of and connection to nature in parks and recreation facilities.
11. Continue to enhance safety and security in all parks and facilities.
The Actions and Methods supporting each Goal may be found in the attached Policy Framework draft. This
section specifically addresses two of Council’s adopted priorities of Equity and Inclusion (Goals 1 and 2) and
Parks Refresh (Goal 5). (Attachment 5)
Next Steps
Staff will continue to work with the consultant team in refining the Master Plan draft over the next several months,
including additional public engagement. Financial considerations will be discussed further at the September 21,
2020 Council Finance Committee meeting. Another Council work session is scheduled for October 27, 2020. The
final Master Plan is anticipated to be considered for adoption in late 2020 or early 2021.
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August 25, 2020 Page 3
ATTACHMENTS
1. Work Session Summary Memo (PDF)
2. Public Enagement Summary (PDF)
3. Level of Service (Draft) (PDF)
4. Classifications (Draft) (PDF)
5. Policy Framework (Draft) (PDF)
6. Powerpoint Presentation (PDF)
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City Manager’s Office
City Hall
300 LaPorte Ave.
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6505
970.224.6107 - fax
fcgov.com
DATE: June 15, 2020
To: Mayor and Councilmembers
THRU: Darin Atteberry, City Manger
Kelly DiMartino, Deputy City Manager
FROM: John Stokes, Interim Director, Community Services
Honore Depew, Interim Policy and Project Manager
RE: June 9, 2020 Work Session: Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update
All Council members were present.
The purpose of this item was to provide an update and seek feedback on the Parks &
Recreation Master Plan, including proposed goals and vision statement as well as an
overview of community outreach.
The Master Plan update process began November 2019 and has included extensive
system analysis and community engagement. Based on prior Council direction, staff
has been working with a consultant team, stakeholders, and the community to identify
parks and recreation needs, assess how Fort Collins compares to other peer and
benchmark communities, and identify key issues and priorities the plan should address.
General Feedback:
• Support for the approach the Master Plan update process has taken
• Proposed goals are laudable and thorough.
• Having the Parks and Recreation vision statement connect holistically to a broad,
future vision for public space is a useful example of systems thinking.
• A focus on equity and inclusion is important - set accessibility standards and also
go beyond just access to amenities.
• Consider how to meet the needs of all people of Fort Collins.
• Council feedback from previous direction was incorporated well.
• Fort Collins has an engaged master planning process and then build plans. Part
of the reason our public space network has grown and thrived.
Next Steps
• Parks and Recreation Master Plan funding analysis will be discussed July 20,
2020 by Council Finance Committee.
• Next Council Work Session scheduled for August 24, 2020.
ATTACHMENT 1
3.1
Packet Pg. 106
Attachment: Work Session Summary Memo (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Public Engagement Summary – August 25, 2020
Previous 2020 Community Engagement - INVOLVE
Together with the consulting team, staff utilized several different engagement tools to help the community
guide development of the Master Plan. Key engagement strategies have included:
• Survey - A statistically valid survey was deployed at the end of 2019. From the 511 responses
received, the results achieved a demographically representative sample of the community with a
confidence level of 95% and precision of +/- 4.33%. Results from the survey demonstrate how highly
residents value the system of parks and recreational facilities in Fort Collins. It is possible to pinpoint
community preferences based on the responses
• Open Houses - Two open houses were held in February 2020, engaging over 300 visitors. One open
house was held at the Lincoln Center, and one at Preston Middle School. City staff and the consultant
team were able to interact with interested members of the community and quantifiable data was
collected using informational boards. All materials were translated into Spanish and interpretation
services were available at both events.
• Pop-up Events - Three pop-up events were held at various locations throughout the community,
including Foothills Mall, downtown Fort Collins, and the Old Town Library. This unique engagement
strategy enabled the team to interact with residents directly in an unannounced and spontaneous
format, enabling input from residents who may not normally participate in a traditional community
engagement format.
• Stakeholder Meetings - In November 2019 and February 2020 a series of special meetings were held
to hear directly from key partners (e.g., PSD, CSU) and representatives of various user groups (e.g.,
bicyclists, disc golf enthusiasts, etc.). These key stakeholders provided valuable feedback on
potential improvements and partnerships.
• OurCity Web Page - An engagement webpage at <https://ourcity.fcgov.com/parksandrec> provides a
valuable resource for project updates and ongoing collection of ideas and feedback as the planning
effort progresses.
• Boards and Commissions - Representatives from about a dozen boards are part of an ad hoc group
known as the Advance Review Committee (ARC). These board members act as liaisons to their
respective boards for feedback and regular updates. Staff will also be engaging directly with key
boards, such as the Parks & Recreation Board, as the planning effort continues.
Phase 2: Engagement and Feedback - CONSULT
Timeline: August 24 – September 18.
Goal – Provide a recap of master plan activities up to this point, frame the story for what we have heard
and how that information has informed the plan thus far, introduce appropriate plan documents, and
funnel participants to Our City site to give feedback.
Target Groups:
• General public
• Advanced Review Committee (Board
Members)
• Our City subscribers
• Stakeholders
• Open house participants
• Recreation subscribers (includes
Reduced Fee participants)
• Larimer County Health Department –
Built Environment Leadership Team
• Poudre School District
• La Familia
• Boys & Girls Club
Strategies:
• Social media outreach
• Targeted emails
• Postcard and/or flyers
• Our City website
• CityNews
• Flyers in parks and recreation facilities
ATTACHMENT 2 3.2
Packet Pg. 107
Attachment: Public Enagement Summary (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
148 / Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan
DRAFT
ATTACHMENT 3
3.3
Packet Pg. 108
Attachment: Level of Service (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan / 149
LEVEL OF
SERVICE
The City of Fort Collins has a robust, distributed public
space system that seeks to provide residents with
convenient access to amenities and services. However,
different parts of the city have different levels of access
to recreational amenities. For example, residents in
downtown Fort Collins can walk to several rectangular
sports fields in under 10 minutes, while residents in
Northeast Fort Collins, an area expected to grow rapidly,
are well outside of walking distance to a rectangular
field.
No uniform level of service standards exists for
parks or recreational amenities across the country.
However, there are generally two types of standards
that communities use to analyze service: population-
based standards and access standards. The Parks and
Recreation Master Plan defines both population-based
and access standards by amenity.
DRAFT 3.3
Packet Pg. 109
Attachment: Level of Service (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
150 / Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan
SETTING AND USING LEVEL
OF SERVICE STANDARDS
Level of service standards help guide decisions about how many
recreational amenities are needed and where. Population-based
standards address how many amenities are needed and access-
based standards address where amenities are needed, both now and
in the future.
Using the level of service standards to increase access to recreational
amenities could result in different types of actions:
• In areas where sidewalk and trail connections are lacking for
pedestrians, or where roads are disconnected for drivers,
increased access could mean adding sidewalks, trails, or road
segments to better connect residents to existing amenities.
• In areas where there is access to school district amenities but
not to City-owned amenities, increased access could mean
formalizing a partnership agreement to ensure that school
district amenities are always open and available to the public.
• In areas with a high population density that do not have access
to school or City amenities, increased access could mean
building new amenities.
• In growing areas, where developers may provide new public
spaces, increased access could mean working with developers
during the development review process to provide needed
amenities.
• In areas with access to multiple amenities in close proximity,
increased access could mean removing or repurposing an
underused amenity.
Together, the level of service standards can be used—along with
other direction from City Council—to help prioritize which actions
will increase equitable access to recreational amenities for the most
residents.
DRAFT 3.3
Packet Pg. 110
Attachment: Level of Service (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan / 151
POPULATION-BASED
STANDARDS
Population-based level of service is expressed as a ratio of number
of amenities to population. The current ratio is compared to a
recommended ratio, which indicates whether additional amenities
are needed.
Methodology
A number of data points were considered in setting the
recommended level of service standards:
• current level of service
• level of service peer cities
• national participation trends
• community priorities
Some data supports raising the current level of service. Other data
supports maintaining or lower the current level of service.
Peer Cities
Through the benchmarking analysis (see Chapter XX), data was
collected on level of service provided by five peer cities that have
similar demographic or economic characteristics, or have highly
regarded public space systems.
• Aurora, CO
• Boise, ID
• Boulder, CO
• Madison, WI
• Minneapolis, MN
National Participation Trends
National participation trends were taken from the Sports and Fitness
Industry Association’s 2019 Sports, Fitness, and Leisure Activities
Topline Participation Report, which tracks total national participation
in recreational activities over time. While the national trends for
amenities are useful, it is important to keep in mind they include
numbers from localities that have very different demographics from
Fort Collins.
Community Priorities
The statistically valid survey conducted as part of the Parks and
Recreation Master Planning process in 2019 asked residents whether
they or their households have a need for various outdoor and
indoor amenities, and how well those needs are currently being met.
Combining these metrics into a Priority Investment Rating (PIR), the
survey report indicates the relative priorities for investing in these
amenities.
DRAFT 3.3
Packet Pg. 111
Attachment: Level of Service (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
152 / Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan
POPULATION-BASED STANDARDS
supports raising the LOS standard
Peer Median
> Fort Collins
PIR > 100
Participation
Change > 0
supports maintaining the LOS standard
Peer Median
= Fort Collins
PIR ≤ 100
PIR > 50
Participation
Change = 0
supports lowering the LOS standard
Peer Median
< Fort Collins
PIR ≤ 50
Participation
Change < 0
no information available
AMENITY COUNT METRIC CURRENT
LOS
PEER
MEDIAN
LOS
SURVEY
PRIORITY
NATIONAL
5-YR PART-
ICIPATION
TREND
REC. LOS
STANDARD
Rectangular Fields 50 1/10,000 2.9 4.6 53 -2.4% 2.5
Playgrounds 44 1/10,000 2.5 3.8 65 3.0
Basketball Hoops 64 1/10,000 3.7 2.2 31 +8.0% 3.0
Pickleball Courts 8 1/20,000 0.9 0.6 65 +40.5% 1.5
Dog Parks 4 1/100,000 2.3 3.9 120 4.0
Swimming Pools 4 1/100,000 2.3 2.4 197 +10.8% 2.4
Recreation
& Senior Centers 4 1/20,000 0.5 0.7 0.6
Community Garden Plots 158 1/1,000 0.9 0.7 120 1.1
Diamond Fields 37 1/10,000 2.1 2.2 33 +12% 2.1
BMX Courses 3 1/100,000 1.7 0 50 +55.2% 2.0
Volleyball Courts 7 1/100,000 4.0 36 -0.5% 4.0
Lighted Fields 14 1/100,000 8.0 11 8.0
Paved, Multi-Use Trails
(miles) 44 1/100,000 60.6 33.8 157 -1.7% 60.6
Skate Parks 6 1/100,000 3.4 0.9 31 +0.4% 3.0
Disc Golf Courses 2 1/100,000 1.1 0.7 1.4
Tennis Courts 46 1/10,000 2.6 3.3 51 -1.2% 2.6
DRAFT 3.3
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Attachment: Level of Service (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan / 153
ADDITIONAL AMENITIES NEEDED TO
MEET RECOMMENDED LOS STANDARD
IN 2020 BY 2040 ACCESS STANDARD
-6 +11 10 Min Walk
+8 +28 10 Min Walk
-12 +8 10 Min Walk
+5 +10 5 Min Drive
+3 +5 5 Min Drive
0 +2 5 Min Drive
+1 +3 5 Min Drive
+34 +109 5 Min Drive
0 +15 5 Min Drive
0 +2 NA
0 +2 NA
0 +5 NA
0 +41 NA
-1 +1 NA
0 +1 NA
-1 +17 NA
DRAFT 3.3
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Attachment: Level of Service (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
154 / Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan
ACCESS STANDARDS
Access standards are expressed as a time within which residents
should be able to get to a particular type of amenity by a particular
mode of transportation. Where population-based standards indicate
how many of an amenity is needed, access standards indicate where
new amenities, or better ways of accessing existing amenities, are
needed.
Residents’ expectations of how close recreational amenities should
be to their homes—and the City’s ability to provide those amenities—
vary by type of amenity. People tend to expect some amenities, like
basketball courts or playgrounds, which require little equipment to
use, have broad drop-in usage, and are well used by children, to be
within a close walk of home. Facilities and amenities, like dog parks
and community centers, which are used by a subset of residents or
have highly scheduled or programmed usage, residents are willing to
travel a bit further to use but still want them close by. Both of these
categories of facilities and amenities require access standards. Other
facilities and amenities, particularly those that cater to more niche
user groups, people are willing to travel anywhere in the city to use
and do not require access standards.
Considering these differences in expectations, the City of Fort
Collins is establishing two tiers of access standards: a 10-minute walk
standard and a 5-minute drive standard,
10 minute Walk Standard
• Rectangular Fields
• Playgrounds
• Basketball Courts
5 Minute Drive Standard
• Pickleball Courts
• Dog Parks
• Pools
• Community Centers
• Community Gardens
• Diamond Fields
It may also be possible in some cases to increase the level of service
by improving the walkable street and trail network that connect
to existing amenities. In some instances an amenity has a smaller
service area because the sidewalks and trails to get there may not
exist and therefore the amenity’s full service potential is not being
met. These gaps in access are shown as circles, which represent an
idealized service area. An example is shown at the right.
Existing LOS
Idealized LOS
trail
streets with
sidewalks
streets without
sidewalks
Amenity
DRAFT 3.3
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Attachment: Level of Service (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan / 155
HOW THE MAPS WERE
CREATED
A spatial access analysis was performed for certain public space and
school district amenities. To determine what parts of the city meet
and do not meet the recommended access standards, areas were
drawn around each individual amenity (e.g., basketball court) within
which a person could reach that amenity within a specified time by
walking, or driving. These service areas were then overlaid with the
projected population density in 2040. This overlay analysis reveals
parts of the city with gaps in access. These access maps follow.
The access maps are a planning tool that evaluates access across
the City to certain recreational amenities and highlight general
areas where access to amenities could be improved. Improved
access could mean adding new linkages to the travel network, like
constructing more sidewalks, or adding another amenity in the
general area identified as having limited access.
The access maps were created using Geographic Information System
(GIS) software, multiple travel networks and 2040 population
projections. Travel time for each individual amenity (e.g., basketball
courts) was calculated using the City’s walking, and driving networks.
Right
An example of several 10 minute walk
service areas.
DRAFT 3.3
Packet Pg. 115
Attachment: Level of Service (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
Planned Park
Planned School
Population Density
2040
CSU Campus
Idealized 10-Minute Walk
Park Amenity
Existing 10-Minute Walk
Idealized 10-Minute Walk
School Amenity
Existing 10-Minute Walk
156 / Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Service Gap/ New Amenity
Focus Area
Service Gap/ Potentially Filled
by Securing Access to Existing
School Amenity
Service Gap/ Potentially Filled by
New Amenity in Planned Park
Rectangular Fields - 10 Minute Walk
0 1/2 1 2
Miles
I-25
College Ave
Taft aft Hill Rd
Timberline Rd
Mulberry St
Harmony Rd
DRAFT 3.3
Packet Pg. 116
Attachment: Level of Service (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
Planned Park
Planned School
Population Density
2040
CSU Campus
Idealized 10-Minute Walk
Park Amenity
Existing 10-Minute Walk
Idealized 10-Minute Walk
School Amenity
Existing 10-Minute Walk
Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan / 157
Service Gap/ New Amenity
Focus Area
Service Gap/ Potentially Filled
by Securing Access to Existing
School Amenity
Service Gap/ Potentially Filled by
New Amenity in Planned Park
Playgrounds - 10 Minute Walk
0 1/2 1 2
Miles
College Ave
Taft aft Hill Rd
Timberline Rd
Mulberry St
Harmony Rd
DRAFT 3.3
Packet Pg. 117
Attachment: Level of Service (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
Planned Park
Planned School
Population Density
2040
CSU Campus
Idealized 10-Minute Walk
Park Amenity
Existing 10-Minute Walk
Idealized 10-Minute Walk
School Amenity
Existing 10-Minute Walk
158 / Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Service Gap/ New Amenity
Focus Area
Service Gap/ Potentially Filled
by Securing Access to Existing
School Amenity
Service Gap/ Potentially Filled by
New Amenity in Planned Park
Basketball Courts - 10 Minute Walk
0 1/2 1 2
Miles
College Ave
Taft aft Hill Rd
Timberline Rd
Mulberry St
Harmony Rd
DRAFT 3.3
Packet Pg. 118
Attachment: Level of Service (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
College Ave
Taft aft Hill Rd
Timberline Rd
Mulberry St
Harmony Rd
Planned Park
Planned School
Population Density
2040
CSU Campus
Idealized 5-Minute Drive
Park Amenity
Existing 5-Minute Drive
Service Gap/ New Amenity
Focus Area
Service Gap/ Potentially Filled by
New Amenity in Planned Park
Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan / 159
Pickleball Courts - 5 Minute Drive
0 1/2 1 2
Miles
DRAFT 3.3
Packet Pg. 119
Attachment: Level of Service (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
160 / Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan
College Ave
Taft aft Hill Rd
Timberline Rd
Mulberry St
Harmony Rd
Planned Park
Planned School
Population Density
2040
CSU Campus
Idealized 5-Minute Drive
Park Amenity
Existing 5-Minute Drive
Service Gap/ New Amenity
Focus Area
Service Gap/ Potentially Filled by
New Amenity in Planned Park
Dog Parks - 5 Minute Drive
0 1/2 1 2
Miles
DRAFT 3.3
Packet Pg. 120
Attachment: Level of Service (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
College Ave
Taft aft Hill Rd
Timberline Rd
Mulberry St
Harmony Rd
Planned Park
Planned School
Population Density
2040
CSU Campus
Idealized 5-Minute Drive
Park Amenity
Existing 5-Minute Drive
Service Gap/ New Amenity
Focus Area
Service Gap/ Potentially Filled by
New Amenity in Planned Park
Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan / 161
Pools - 5 Minute Drive
0 1/2 1 2
Miles
DRAFT 3.3
Packet Pg. 121
Attachment: Level of Service (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
Future Southeast
Community Center
162 / Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan
College Ave
Taft aft Hill Rd
Timberline Rd
Mulberry St
Harmony Rd
Planned Park
Planned School
Population Density
2040
CSU Campus
Idealized 5-Minute Drive
Park Amenity
Existing 5-Minute Drive
Service Gap/ New Amenity
Focus Area
Service Gap/ Potentially Filled by
New Amenity in Planned Park
Community Centers - 5 Minute Drive
0 1/2 1 2
Miles
DRAFT 3.3
Packet Pg. 122
Attachment: Level of Service (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
College Ave
Taft aft Hill Rd
Timberline Rd
Mulberry St
Harmony Rd
Planned Park
Planned School
Population Density
2040
CSU Campus
Idealized 5-Minute Drive
Park Amenity
Existing 5-Minute Drive
Service Gap/ New Amenity
Focus Area
Service Gap/ Potentially Filled by
New Amenity in Planned Park
Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan / 163
Community Gardens - 5 Minute Drive
0 1/2 1 2
Miles
DRAFT 3.3
Packet Pg. 123
Attachment: Level of Service (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
164 / Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan
College Ave
Taft aft Hill Rd
Timberline Rd
Mulberry St
Harmony Rd
Planned Park
Planned School
Population Density
2040
CSU Campus
Idealized 5-Minute Drive
Park Amenity
Existing 5-Minute Drive
Service Gap/ New Amenity
Focus Area
Service Gap/ Potentially Filled by
New Amenity in Planned Park
Diamond Fields - 5 Minute Drive
0 1/2 1 2
Miles
DRAFT 3.3
Packet Pg. 124
Attachment: Level of Service (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan / 165
Focus Area Overlay
0 1/2 1 2
Miles
The map above is an overlay of the new amenity focus areas from both the walking and driving analysis maps. By
overlaying these focus areas, several patterns emerge. First, the location of the proposed future parks in both the
Northeast and East parts of the city are appropriately located and will provide amenities to parts of the city that will
grow significantly over the next twenty years. The other pattern that emerges is that a need for a new park or parks
exists in the southern part of the city.
DRAFT 3.3
Packet Pg. 125
Attachment: Level of Service (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
94 / Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan
DRAFT
ATTACHMENT 4
3.4
Packet Pg. 126
Attachment: Classifications (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan / 95
PARK AND
RECREATION
FACILITY
CLASSIFICATIONS
The City of Fort Collins has parks and recreation facilities
of different sizes and uses. Together these places form
the active heart of the city’s public space system.
Currently, the City uses two park classifications—
community parks and neighborhood parks. Community
parks are generally differentiated from neighborhood
parks by their large sizes, which can accommodate
more amenities, and unique identities. The City does not
currently classify recreation facilities.
However, the system of parks and recreation facilities
encompasses a broad range of places that differ in size,
amenities, design, usage, and programming. Additionally,
as parts of Fort Collins continue to see increased
density, new types of parks and recreation facilities will
be needed. The expanded classification system in this
plan is meant to help set mutual expectations between
the City and residents about how different parks and
recreation facilities look and function.
DRAFT 3.4
Packet Pg. 127
Attachment: Classifications (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
96 / Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan
CLASSIFICATIONS
The new park and recreation facility classification system proposed
in this plan expands the existing classification system to both clarify
how existing parks and recreation facilities function and provide
guidelines about future park and recreation facility typologies that
Fort Collins expects to need in the future to meet the needs of
current and future residents.
Park Classifications
• community parks
• school parks (new)
• neighborhood parks
• mini parks (new)
• urban parks (new)
• plazas (new)
• special use parks (new)
Recreation Facility Classifications
• community centers (new)
• neighborhood centers (new)
• indoor/outdoor sports complexes (new)
• court/field clusters (new)
• special use facilities (new)
For each park and recreation facility classification, the following
pages include a general description of the classification, a typical
size range, a typical length of visit, access provisions, a list of
appropriate amenities for that type of park or recreation facility, and
applicable design guidelines. (Descriptions of the design guidelines
follow the classifications.)
The list of amenities is not meant to be prescriptive or exhaustive.
The appropriate amenities for any individual park or recreation
facility should be determined through a regular master planning
process that involves the community it is meant to serve. All parks
and recreation facilities should be designed to serve multiple age
segments.
DRAFT 3.4
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Attachment: Classifications (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan / 97
PARKS & RECREATION FACILITIES BY CLASSIFICATION
0 1/2 1 2
Miles
COMMUNITY PARKS (9) COMMUNITY CENTERS (3)
SPECIAL USE FACILITIES (7)
URBAN PARKS (3)
SCHOOL PARKS (14) PLAZAS (2) NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS (2)
NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS (19) SPECIAL USE PARKS (4) INDOOR/OUTDOOR COMPLEXES (0)
MINI PARKS (10)
COURT/FIELD CLUSTERS (1)
DRAFT 3.4
Packet Pg. 129
Attachment: Classifications (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
98 / Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan
EXISTING COMMUNITY PARKS
CITY PARK: 76.7 ACRES
EDORA COMMUNITY PARK: 85.4 ACRES
FOSSIL CREEK COMMUNITY PARK: 95.9 ACRES
LEE MARTINEZ COMMUNITY PARK: 85.7 ACRES
ROLLAND MOORE COMMUNITY PARK: 76.2 ACRES
SPRING CANYON COMMUNITY PARK: 123.9 ACRES
TWIN SILO COMMUNITY PARK: 53.0 ACRES
PLANNED COMMUNITY PARKS
EAST COMMUNITY PARK: 58.0 ACRES
NORTHEAST COMMUNITY PARK: 80.0 ACRES
COMMUNITY PARKS
Community parks are the largest parks, with many over seventy-five
acres in size. These parks serve several adjoining neighborhoods,
attracting residents from a relatively large area. They should include
both active and passive recreation activities, preserve unique
landscapes and open spaces, allow for group activities, be able
to accommodate community events, and offer unique recreation
opportunities not feasible or desirable at the neighborhood park
level. Community parks may also include revenue-producing
facilities, recreation or community centers, or other recreation
facilities. They should include a permanent and accessible public
restroom.
Size
40 – 150 acres
Length of Visit
1 – 5 hours
Access
Community parks should be accessible by way of the city’s trail
network, low stress bicycle network, sidewalks, and major streets.
Since they serve residents from longer distances, community parks
should have on site parking.
The pavilion at Twin Silo
Community Park
DRAFT 3.4
Packet Pg. 130
Attachment: Classifications (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan / 99
DESIGN GUIDELINES
Design
n SYSTEMWIDE DESIGN LANGUAGE
n DESIGN VOCABULARY
Context
n MIXED-USE
n BUILDING FRONTAGE / ENTRANCE
n STREETSCAPE ENHANCEMENTS
Access and Connectivity
n SEAMLESS PUBLIC SPACE
n STREET GRID CONNECTIVITY
n SAFE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS
n MAJOR TRAIL CONNECTIONS
n TRAIL MODE SEPARATION
n BIKE CONNECTIONS
n TRANSIT CONNECTIONS
n SHARED PARKING
n VISIBLE FRONTAGE
Wayfinding
n GATEWAYS
n PATH HIERARCHY
n SUPPORT FACILITIES
Zones
n NATURAL SYSTEM AREAS
n FLOODPLAINS
n INTENSIVE USE AREAS
n PROGRAMMABLE GATHERING SPACES
n RECREATION AREAS
n CASUAL USE SPACES
Features
n LOOP TRAIL
n IDENTITY FEATURES
n NATURAL OR HISTORIC FEATURES
TYPICAL AMENITIES
Passive Recreation
n SEATING
n CASUAL USE SPACES
n COMMUNITY GARDENS
n INTERNAL WALKING TRAILS
n UNIQUE LANDSCAPE FEATURES
n NATURAL SPACES
Active Recreation
n BIKING TRAILS
n OUTDOOR FITNESS / EXERCISE FACILITIES
n CREATIVE PLAY ATTRACTIONS
n LARGE PLAYGROUNDS
n SMALL PLAYGROUNDS
n RECTANGULAR FIELDS
n DIAMOND FIELDS
n COURT GAMES
n TENNIS COURTS
n VOLLEYBALL COURTS
n WATER PLAY
Facilities
n DOG PARKS
n INDIVIDUAL PICNIC / SITTING AREAS
n GROUP PICNIC SITTING AREAS
n PARK SHELTERS
n OUTDOOR EVENT SPACES
100 / Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan
SCHOOL PARKS
School parks are parks on or adjacent to school district property.
These parks range in size, but are generally larger than 5 acres. They
allow for a fluid boundary and shared amenities between parks and
schools, leveraging these adjacendies to provide larger public spaces
than neighborrhood parks alone. School parks should include both
active and passive recreation activities and may include specialized
recreational amenities that support both school and park programs.
School parks present opportunities to partner with school districts
on cooperative programming, access, and maintenance.
Size
5 – 20 acres
Length of Visit
1 – 3 hours
Access
School parks should be accessible by way of the city’s, low stress
bicycle network, sidewalks, and major streets. Where possible
trails should also connect to neighborhood parks. School parks
should also be accessible from the schools that they are adjacent
to, allowing for users of both to pass between the two seamlessly.
School parks and schools should share off-street parking.
NEED PHOTO
PERMISSION
Stewart Case Park
illustrates a fluid
boundary between park
land and school district
property.
EXISTING SCHOOL PARKS
BEATTIE PARK: 8.8 ACRES
BLEVINS PARK: 6.6 ACRES
BOLTZ PARK: 9.5 ACRES
EASTSIDE PARK: 3.2 ACRES
ENGLISH RANCH PARK: 12.7 ACRES
GOLDEN MEADOWS PARK: 11.6 ACRES
HARMONY PARK: 15.2 ACRES
HOMESTEAD PARK: 5.9 ACRES
RADIANT PARK: 10.2 ACRES
RIDGEVIEW PARK: 11.2 ACRES
STEWART CASE PARK: 12.8 ACRES
TROUTMAN PARK: 18.9 ACRES
WESTFIELD PARK: 13.8 ACRES
PLANNED SCHOOL PARKS
BACON PARK: 5.3 ACRES
IRON HORSE PARK: 8.1 ACRES
DRAFT 3.4
Packet Pg. 132
Attachment: Classifications (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan / 101
TYPICAL AMENITIES
Passive Recreation
n SEATING
n CASUAL USE SPACES
` COMMUNITY GARDENS
n INTERNAL WALKING TRAILS
` UNIQUE LANDSCAPE FEATURES
n NATURAL SPACES
Active Recreation
n BIKING TRAILS
` OUTDOOR FITNESS / EXERCISE FACILITIES
` CREATIVE PLAY ATTRACTIONS
` LARGE PLAYGROUNDS
` SMALL PLAYGROUNDS
n RECTANGULAR FIELDS
n DIAMOND FIELDS
n COURT GAMES
n TENNIS COURTS
n VOLLEYBALL COURTS
` WATER PLAY
Facilities
` DOG PARKS
` INDIVIDUAL PICNIC / SITTING AREAS
` GROUP PICNIC SITTING AREAS
` PARK SHELTERS
` OUTDOOR EVENT SPACES
n RESTROOMS
DESIGN GUIDELINES
Design
n SYSTEMWIDE DESIGN LANGUAGE
n DESIGN VOCABULARY
Context
n MIXED-USE
n BUILDING FRONTAGE / ENTRANCE
n STREETSCAPE ENHANCEMENTS
Access and Connectivity
n SEAMLESS PUBLIC SPACE
n STREET GRID CONNECTIVITY
n SAFE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS
n MAJOR TRAIL CONNECTIONS
n TRAIL MODE SEPARATION
n BIKE CONNECTIONS
n TRANSIT CONNECTIONS
n SHARED PARKING
n VISIBLE FRONTAGE
Wayfinding
n GATEWAYS
n PATH HIERARCHY
n SUPPORT FACILITIES
Zones
n NATURAL SYSTEM AREAS
n FLOODPLAINS
n INTENSIVE USE AREAS
n PROGRAMMABLE GATHERING SPACES
n RECREATION AREAS
n CASUAL USE SPACES
Features
n LOOP TRAIL
n IDENTITY FEATURES
102 / Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan
NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS
Neighborhood parks serve the needs of residents within walking
distance of their homes. Neighborhood parks should strike a balance
between passive and active recreational opportunities. They are
intended for residents from their respective neighborhoods and
should not seek to attract visitors from too far outside of the
adjacent neighborhood.
Size
5 – 20 acres
Length of Visit
1 – 3 hours
Access
Neighborhood parks should be accessible by way of the city’s
sidewalks, low stress bicycle network, and local streets. They should
be easily accessible from the surrounding neighborhood with no
physical barriers or busy streets restricting access. Where possible
trails should also connect to neighborhood parks. Neighborhood
parks should have street parking nearby.
EXISTING NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS
AVERY PARK: 6.2 ACRES
BUCKINGHAM PARK: 5.2 ACRES
COTTONWOOD GLEN PARK: 13.2 ACRES
CRESCENT PARK: 7.2 ACRES
GREENBRIAR PARK: 22.8 ACRES
LANDINGS PARK: 8.7 ACRES
MIRAMONT PARK: 11.4 ACRES
OLD FORT COLLINS HERITAGE PARK: 10.7 ACRES
OVERLAND PARK: 19.9 ACRES
REGISTRY PARK: 6.3 ACRES
RICHARDS LAKE PARK: 6.8 ACRES
ROGERS PARK: 8.3 ACRES
ROSSBOROUGH PARK: 16.8 ACRES
SOFT GOLD PARK: 16.1 ACRES
SPRING PARK: 16.8 ACRES
SUGARBEET PARK: 7.2 ACRES
TRAILHEAD PARK: 4.0 ACRES
WARREN PARK: 24.4 ACRES
WATERS WAY PARK: 8.2 ACRES
Sugar Beet Park is a
fantastic example of new
neighborhood park.
DRAFT 3.4
Packet Pg. 134
Attachment: Classifications (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan / 103
DESIGN GUIDELINES
Design
n SYSTEMWIDE DESIGN LANGUAGE
n DESIGN VOCABULARY
Context
` MIXED-USE
` BUILDING FRONTAGE / ENTRANCE
n STREETSCAPE ENHANCEMENTS
Access and Connectivity
n SEAMLESS PUBLIC SPACE
n STREET GRID CONNECTIVITY
n SAFE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS
` MAJOR TRAIL CONNECTIONS
` TRAIL MODE SEPARATION
n BIKE CONNECTIONS
` TRANSIT CONNECTIONS
` SHARED PARKING
n VISIBLE FRONTAGE
Wayfinding
n GATEWAYS
` PATH HIERARCHY
n SUPPORT FACILITIES
Zones
n NATURAL SYSTEM AREAS
n FLOODPLAINS
` INTENSIVE USE AREAS
n PROGRAMMABLE GATHERING SPACES
n RECREATION AREAS
n CASUAL USE SPACES
Features
n LOOP TRAIL
n IDENTITY FEATURES
n NATURAL OR HISTORIC FEATURES
TYPICAL AMENITIES
Passive Recreation
n SEATING
n CASUAL USE SPACES
n COMMUNITY GARDENS
n INTERNAL WALKING TRAILS
n UNIQUE LANDSCAPE FEATURES
n NATURAL SPACES
Active Recreation
` BIKING TRAILS
n OUTDOOR FITNESS / EXERCISE FACILITIES
n CREATIVE PLAY ATTRACTIONS
` LARGE PLAYGROUNDS
n SMALL PLAYGROUNDS
n RECTANGULAR FIELDS
n DIAMOND FIELDS*
n COURT GAMES
n TENNIS COURTS
n VOLLEYBALL COURTS
` WATER PLAY
Facilities
` DOG PARKS
n INDIVIDUAL PICNIC / SITTING AREAS
` GROUP PICNIC SITTING AREAS
n PARK SHELTERS
` OUTDOOR EVENT SPACES
104 / Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan
URBAN PARKS
Urban parks located in higher density areas. Urban parks should
have a mix of planted and paved areas. These parks should face
surrounding development, and surrounding development should
face urban parks. Urban parks provide residents in downtown areas
access to park amenities without having to travel far from the urban
centers.
Size
1 – 3 acres
Length of Visit
1 – 2 hours
Access
Urban Parks should be accessible by way of the city’s sidewalks, low
stress bicycle network, and local streets.
They should have multiple entrances to allow for permeability and
clear access in populate urban areas. They should also be well lit in
order to extend their use and provide safe comfortable spaces at
night. On street parking may be located nearby.
EXISTING URBAN PARKS
CIVIC CENTER PARK: 2.7 ACRES
LIBRARY PARK: 5.5 ACRES
WASHINGTON PARK: 1.3 ACRES
The Fort Collins Mid Town
Plan proposes techniques
to build parks in high
density areas.
DRAFT 3.4
Packet Pg. 136
Attachment: Classifications (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan / 105
DESIGN GUIDELINES
Design
n SYSTEMWIDE DESIGN LANGUAGE
n DESIGN VOCABULARY
Context
n MIXED-USE
n BUILDING FRONTAGE / ENTRANCE
n STREETSCAPE ENHANCEMENTS
Access and Connectivity
n SEAMLESS PUBLIC SPACE
n STREET GRID CONNECTIVITY
n SAFE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS
` MAJOR TRAIL CONNECTIONS
` TRAIL MODE SEPARATION
n BIKE CONNECTIONS
n TRANSIT CONNECTIONS
` SHARED PARKING
n VISIBLE FRONTAGE
Wayfinding
n GATEWAYS
` PATH HIERARCHY
n SUPPORT FACILITIES
Zones
n NATURAL SYSTEM AREAS
n FLOODPLAINS
n INTENSIVE USE AREAS
n PROGRAMMABLE GATHERING SPACES
n RECREATION AREAS
n CASUAL USE SPACES
Features
` LOOP TRAIL
` IDENTITY FEATURES
n NATURAL OR HISTORIC FEATURES
TYPICAL AMENITIES
Passive Recreation
n SEATING
n CASUAL USE SPACES
` COMMUNITY GARDENS
` INTERNAL WALKING TRAILS
n UNIQUE LANDSCAPE FEATURES
` NATURAL SPACES
Active Recreation
` BIKING TRAILS
` OUTDOOR FITNESS / EXERCISE FACILITIES
` CREATIVE PLAY ATTRACTIONS
` LARGE PLAYGROUNDS
n SMALL PLAYGROUNDS
` RECTANGULAR FIELDS
` DIAMOND FIELDS
n COURT GAMES
n TENNIS COURTS
n VOLLEYBALL COURTS
` WATER PLAY
Facilities
n DOG PARKS
n INDIVIDUAL PICNIC / SITTING AREAS
` GROUP PICNIC SITTING AREAS
n PARK SHELTERS
` OUTDOOR EVENT SPACES
106 / Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan
PLAZAS
Plaza’s are smaller spaces that are primarily paved and provide
outdoor recreation opportunities higher density areas. They are
centers of activity throughout the year and should be designed for
four season programming use. Plazas may have a lot of pedestrian
traffic and should include places to sit or relax. They should also be
well lit in order to extend their use and provide safe comfortable
spaces at night.
Size
Up to 3 acres
Length of Visit
15 minutes – 1 hour
Access
Plazas should be accessible by way of the city’s sidewalks, and
downtown streets.
NEED PHOTO
PERMISSION
EXISTING PLAZAS
OAK STREET PLAZA: 0.4 ACRES
OLD TOWN SQUARE: 1.3 ACRES
Oak Street Plaza in
downtown Fort Collins is
used all year long, both
night and day.
DRAFT 3.4
Packet Pg. 138
Attachment: Classifications (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan / 107
DESIGN GUIDELINES
Design
n SYSTEMWIDE DESIGN LANGUAGE
n DESIGN VOCABULARY
Context
n MIXED-USE
n BUILDING FRONTAGE / ENTRANCE
n STREETSCAPE ENHANCEMENTS
Access and Connectivity
n SEAMLESS PUBLIC SPACE
n STREET GRID CONNECTIVITY
n SAFE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS
` MAJOR TRAIL CONNECTIONS
` TRAIL MODE SEPARATION
n BIKE CONNECTIONS
n TRANSIT CONNECTIONS
` SHARED PARKING
n VISIBLE FRONTAGE
Wayfinding
n GATEWAYS
` PATH HIERARCHY
n SUPPORT FACILITIES
Zones
` NATURAL SYSTEM AREAS
n FLOODPLAINS
n INTENSIVE USE AREAS
n PROGRAMMABLE GATHERING SPACES
` RECREATION AREAS
n CASUAL USE SPACES
Features
` LOOP TRAIL
n IDENTITY FEATURES
n NATURAL OR HISTORIC FEATURES
TYPICAL AMENITIES
Passive Recreation
n SEATING
` CASUAL USE SPACES
` COMMUNITY GARDENS
` INTERNAL WALKING TRAILS
` UNIQUE LANDSCAPE FEATURES
` NATURAL SPACES
Active Recreation
` BIKING TRAILS
` OUTDOOR FITNESS / EXERCISE FACILITIES
` CREATIVE PLAY ATTRACTIONS
` LARGE PLAYGROUNDS
` SMALL PLAYGROUNDS
` RECTANGULAR FIELDS
` DIAMOND FIELDS
` COURT GAMES
` TENNIS COURTS
` VOLLEYBALL COURTS
n WATER PLAY
Facilities
` DOG PARKS
` INDIVIDUAL PICNIC / SITTING AREAS
` GROUP PICNIC SITTING AREAS
` PARK SHELTERS
n OUTDOOR EVENT SPACES
108 / Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan
MINI PARKS
Mini parks provide places for residents to enjoy a few minutes
outside and are great ways to enhance access to walkable
recreational amenities, particularly on sites not suitable for other
uses. These parks tend to be more passive and may be simple in
their designs. Mini parks should have lawn and shade trees. They are
not programmed by the City.
Size
0.5 – 3 acres
Length of Visit
30 minutes – 1 hour
Access
Mini Parks should be accessible by way of the city’s sidewalks, and
local streets. They should be located away from busy streets and
noisy areas.
PLACEHOLDER
EXISTING MINI PARKS
ALTA VISTA PARK: 0.6 ACRES
CREEKSIDE PARK: 3.3 ACRES
FREEDOM SQUARE PARK: 0.6 ACRES
INDIAN HILLS PARK: 2.3 ACRES
LEISURE PARK: 0.9 ACRES
LILAC PARK: 1.0 ACRES
RABBIT BRUSH PARK: 1.5 ACRES
ROMERO PARK: 0.2 ACRES
SPENCER PARK: 0.5 ACRES
WOODWEST PARK: 2.8 ACRES
Washington Park is a
successful example of the
Mini Park.
DRAFT 3.4
Packet Pg. 140
Attachment: Classifications (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan / 109
DESIGN GUIDELINES
Design
n SYSTEMWIDE DESIGN LANGUAGE
n DESIGN VOCABULARY
Context
` MIXED-USE
` BUILDING FRONTAGE / ENTRANCE
n STREETSCAPE ENHANCEMENTS
Access and Connectivity
n SEAMLESS PUBLIC SPACE
n STREET GRID CONNECTIVITY
n SAFE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS
` MAJOR TRAIL CONNECTIONS
` TRAIL MODE SEPARATION
n BIKE CONNECTIONS
` TRANSIT CONNECTIONS
` SHARED PARKING
n VISIBLE FRONTAGE
Wayfinding
` GATEWAYS
` PATH HIERARCHY
n SUPPORT FACILITIES
Zones
n NATURAL SYSTEM AREAS
n FLOODPLAINS
` INTENSIVE USE AREAS
` PROGRAMMABLE GATHERING SPACES
` RECREATION AREAS
n CASUAL USE SPACES
Features
` LOOP TRAIL
` IDENTITY FEATURES
n NATURAL OR HISTORIC FEATURES
TYPICAL AMENITIES
Passive Recreation
n SEATING
n CASUAL USE SPACES
` COMMUNITY GARDENS
` INTERNAL WALKING TRAILS
` UNIQUE LANDSCAPE FEATURES
n NATURAL SPACES
Active Recreation
` BIKING TRAILS
` OUTDOOR FITNESS / EXERCISE FACILITIES
` CREATIVE PLAY ATTRACTIONS
` LARGE PLAYGROUNDS
n SMALL PLAYGROUNDS
` RECTANGULAR FIELDS
` DIAMOND FIELDS
n COURT GAMES
` TENNIS COURTS
n VOLLEYBALL COURTS
` WATER PLAY
Facilities
` DOG PARKS
n INDIVIDUAL PICNIC / SITTING AREAS
` GROUP PICNIC SITTING AREAS
n PARK SHELTERS
` OUTDOOR EVENT SPACES
110 / Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan
SPECIAL USE PARKS
Special use parks are unique outdoor spaces, usually oriented toward
a single-purpose use. They can vary greatly in size.
Size
Varies
Length of Visit
Varies
Access
Varies
EXISTING SPECIAL USE PARKS
ARCHERY RANGE: 53.7 ACRES
AGGIE GREENS: 25.8 ACRES
POUDRE RIVER WHITEWATER PARK: 9.7 ACRES
Special use parks create
unique opportunities for
residents. Grand Opening
at the Poudre River
Whitewater Park.
DRAFT 3.4
Packet Pg. 142
Attachment: Classifications (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan / 111
DESIGN GUIDELINES
Design
n SYSTEMWIDE DESIGN LANGUAGE
n DESIGN VOCABULARY
Context
m MIXED-USE
m BUILDING FRONTAGE / ENTRANCE
m STREETSCAPE ENHANCEMENTS
Access and Connectivity
m SEAMLESS PUBLIC SPACE
m STREET GRID CONNECTIVITY
m SAFE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS
m MAJOR TRAIL CONNECTIONS
m TRAIL MODE SEPARATION
m BIKE CONNECTIONS
m TRANSIT CONNECTIONS
m SHARED PARKING
m VISIBLE FRONTAGE
Wayfinding
m GATEWAYS
m PATH HIERARCHY
m SUPPORT FACILITIES
Zones
m NATURAL SYSTEM AREAS
m FLOODPLAINS
m INTENSIVE USE AREAS
m PROGRAMMABLE GATHERING SPACES
m RECREATION AREAS
m CASUAL USE SPACES
Features
m LOOP TRAIL
m IDENTITY FEATURES
m NATURAL OR HISTORIC FEATURES
TYPICAL AMENITIES
Passive Recreation
m SEATING
m CASUAL USE SPACES
m COMMUNITY GARDENS
m INTERNAL WALKING TRAILS
m UNIQUE LANDSCAPE FEATURES
m NATURAL SPACES
Active Recreation
m BIKING TRAILS
m OUTDOOR FITNESS / EXERCISE FACILITIES
m CREATIVE PLAY ATTRACTIONS
m LARGE PLAYGROUNDS
m SMALL PLAYGROUNDS
m RECTANGULAR FIELDS
m DIAMOND FIELDS
m COURT GAMES
m TENNIS COURTS
m VOLLEYBALL COURTS
m WATER PLAY
Facilities
m DOG PARKS
m INDIVIDUAL PICNIC / SITTING AREAS
m GROUP PICNIC SITTING AREAS
m PARK SHELTERS
m OUTDOOR EVENT SPACES
112 / Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan
COMMUNITY CENTERS
Community centers are large buildings that provide residents from
all over the city with places to explore fitness and wellness, play
indoor sports, learn and teach, participate in indoor and outdoor
activities, and host small or large meetings and events. They may
also offer aquatics or unique recreational experiences not found
in other centers. These facilities should have full time staff and
maintenance in order to accommodate the higher numbers of users.
Ideally, community centers should be co-located with community
parks to promote indoor/outdoor recreational opportunities.
Size
45,000 – 75,000 Sq. Ft.
Length of Visit
1 – 4 hours
Access
Community centers should be accessible by way of the city’s
sidewalks, low stress bicycle network, Transfort, and major streets.
Because they draw people from large areas, community centers
should have on site parking.
EXISTING COMMUNITY CENTERS
NORTHSIDE AZTLAN COMMUNITY CENTER
FORT COLLINS SENIOR CENTER*
PLANNED COMMUNITY CENTERS
SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY CENTER**
The weight/cardio room
at the North Aztlan
Community Center
*While the Fort Collins Senior Center has specialized
programming for adults 50 years of age and up, it
functions as a community center for all adults. Its name
may turn away prospective users.
**Current funding for the Southeast Community Center is
sufficient to construct a first phase of the full center.
DRAFT 3.4
Packet Pg. 144
Attachment: Classifications (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan / 113
DESIGN GUIDELINES
Design
n SYSTEMWIDE DESIGN LANGUAGE
n DESIGN VOCABULARY
Context
n MIXED-USE
n BUILDING FRONTAGE / ENTRANCE
n STREETSCAPE ENHANCEMENTS
Access and Connectivity
n SEAMLESS PUBLIC SPACE
n STREET GRID CONNECTIVITY
n SAFE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS
n MAJOR TRAIL CONNECTIONS
n TRAIL MODE SEPARATION
n BIKE CONNECTIONS
n TRANSIT CONNECTIONS
n SHARED PARKING
n VISIBLE FRONTAGE
Wayfinding
n GATEWAYS
n PATH HIERARCHY
n SUPPORT FACILITIES
Zones
n NATURAL SYSTEM AREAS
n FLOODPLAINS
n INTENSIVE USE AREAS
n PROGRAMMABLE GATHERING SPACES
n RECREATION AREAS
n CASUAL USE SPACES
Features
n LOOP TRAIL
n IDENTITY FEATURES
n NATURAL OR HISTORIC FEATURES
TYPICAL AMENITIES
Passive Recreation
n MULTI-PURPOSE MEETING ROOMS
n PERFORMANCE SPACES
n CRAFTING / MAKER SPACES
Active Recreation
n GYMNASIUM
n WEIGHT / CARDIO ROOM
n INDOOR TRACK
n POOL / AQUATICS
` RECTANGULAR FIELDS
` DIAMOND FIELDS
` TENNIS COURTS
` VOLLEYBALL COURTS
Facilities
` SPECTATOR SEATING
n CONCESSIONS / CATERING KITCHEN
n SNACKS
DRAFT 3.4
Packet Pg. 145
Attachment: Classifications (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
114 / Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan
NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS
Neighborhood centers are buildings that provide places to explore
fitness and wellness, learn and teach, participate in indoor activities,
and host small meetings and events. Neighborhood centers are
generally smaller than community centers and may have more
limited hours, activities, and staff. Ideally, community centers should
be co-located with parks to promote indoor/outdoor recreational
opportunities. As Fort Collins continues to grow and needs change,
it may be possible to expand neighborhood centers into community
centers.
Size
15,000 – 45,000 Sq. Ft.
Length of Visit
1 – 2 hours
Access
Neighborhood centers should be accessible by way of the city’s
sidewalks, low stress bicycle network, Transfort, and major streets.
Neighborhood centers should include on site parking or have an
adequate amount of street parking available.
EXISTING NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS
FOOTHILLS ACTIVITY CENTER
PLANNED NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS
NORTHEAST COMMUNITY CENTER
The gymnasium at the
Foothills Activity Center
is perfect for residents
nearby to play a game
inside on hot days.
DRAFT 3.4
Packet Pg. 146
Attachment: Classifications (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan / 115
TYPICAL AMENITIES
Passive Recreation
n MULTI-PURPOSE MEETING ROOMS
n PERFORMANCE SPACES
n CRAFTING / MAKER SPACES
Active Recreation
n GYMNASIUM
n WEIGHT / CARDIO ROOM
n INDOOR TRACK
n POOL / AQUATICS
` RECTANGULAR FIELDS
` DIAMOND FIELDS
` TENNIS COURTS
` VOLLEYBALL COURTS
Facilities
` SPECTATOR SEATING
` CONCESSIONS / CATERING KITCHEN
n SNACKS
DESIGN GUIDELINES
Design
n SYSTEMWIDE DESIGN LANGUAGE
n DESIGN VOCABULARY
Context
n MIXED-USE
n BUILDING FRONTAGE / ENTRANCE
n STREETSCAPE ENHANCEMENTS
Access and Connectivity
n SEAMLESS PUBLIC SPACE
n STREET GRID CONNECTIVITY
n SAFE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS
n MAJOR TRAIL CONNECTIONS
n TRAIL MODE SEPARATION
n BIKE CONNECTIONS
n TRANSIT CONNECTIONS
n SHARED PARKING
n VISIBLE FRONTAGE
Wayfinding
n GATEWAYS
n PATH HIERARCHY
n SUPPORT FACILITIES
Zones
n NATURAL SYSTEM AREAS
n FLOODPLAINS
n INTENSIVE USE AREAS
n PROGRAMMABLE GATHERING SPACES
n RECREATION AREAS
n CASUAL USE SPACES
Features
n LOOP TRAIL
n IDENTITY FEATURES
n NATURAL OR HISTORIC FEATURES
DRAFT 3.4
Packet Pg. 147
Attachment: Classifications (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
116 / Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan
INDOOR/OUTDOOR
SPORTS COMPLEXES
Indoor/outdoor sports complexes are paired groups of
at least 6 indoor and outdoor fields and courts that are
primarily designed to meet the general recreational needs
of residents but because of their configuration are well
suited to host tournaments and events. For this reason,
indoor/outdoor sports complexes should provide room for
spectators and Concessions / Catering Kitchen, and be
located near other amenities, such as stores and restaurants,
for downtime during tournaments.
Size
100,000 - 200,000 Sq. Ft. / 80 - 90 acres
Length of Visit
1 - 6 hours
Access
Indoor/outdoor sports complexes should be accessible by
sidewalks, low stress bicycle network, Transfort, and major
streets. They should also be accompanied by appropriately
sized on site parking or have an adequate amount of
street parking available in order to accommodate sport
tournaments.
PLACEHOLDER
EXISTING INDOOR/OUTDOOR
SPORTS COMPLEXES
NONE
DRAFT 3.4
Packet Pg. 148
Attachment: Classifications (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan / 117
DESIGN GUIDELINES
Design
n SYSTEMWIDE DESIGN LANGUAGE
n DESIGN VOCABULARY
Context
n MIXED-USE
` BUILDING FRONTAGE / ENTRANCE
n STREETSCAPE ENHANCEMENTS
Access and Connectivity
n SEAMLESS PUBLIC SPACE
n STREET GRID CONNECTIVITY
n SAFE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS
n MAJOR TRAIL CONNECTIONS
n TRAIL MODE SEPARATION
n BIKE CONNECTIONS
n TRANSIT CONNECTIONS
n SHARED PARKING
n VISIBLE FRONTAGE
Wayfinding
n GATEWAYS
n PATH HIERARCHY
n SUPPORT FACILITIES
Zones
n NATURAL SYSTEM AREAS
n FLOODPLAINS
n INTENSIVE USE AREAS
n PROGRAMMABLE GATHERING SPACES
n RECREATION AREAS
n CASUAL USE SPACES
Features
` LOOP TRAIL
` IDENTITY FEATURES
n NATURAL OR HISTORIC FEATURES
TYPICAL AMENITIES
Passive Recreation
n MULTI-PURPOSE MEETING ROOMS
n PERFORMANCE SPACES
` CRAFTING / MAKER SPACES
Active Recreation
n GYMNASIUM
` WEIGHT / CARDIO ROOM
` INDOOR TRACK
n POOL / AQUATICS
n RECTANGULAR FIELDS
n DIAMOND FIELDS
n TENNIS COURTS
n VOLLEYBALL COURTS
Facilities
n SPECTATOR SEATING
n CONCESSIONS / CATERING KITCHEN
n SNACKS
DRAFT 3.4
Packet Pg. 149
Attachment: Classifications (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
118 / Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan
COURT/FIELD CLUSTERS
Court/field clusters are groups of 4 or more fields or
courts with a clubhouse or pro shop. These facilities may
also attract local tournaments and spectators. Court/field
clusters are not independent facilities, but generally located
within community parks or school parks.
Size
1 -2 Acres
Length of Visit
1 - 3 hours
Access
Court/field clusters should be accessible by way of the city’s
sidewalks, arterial, and collector streets. They should also be
accompanied by appropriately sized on site parking or have
an adequate amount of street parking available.
PLACEHOLDER
EXISTING COURT/FIELD CLUSTERS
ROLLAND MOORE TENNIS CLUSTER
BEST PRACTICE
DRAFT 3.4
Packet Pg. 150
Attachment: Classifications (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan / 119
DESIGN GUIDELINES
Design
n SYSTEMWIDE DESIGN LANGUAGE
n DESIGN VOCABULARY
Context
n MIXED-USE
` BUILDING FRONTAGE / ENTRANCE
` STREETSCAPE ENHANCEMENTS
Access and Connectivity
n SEAMLESS PUBLIC SPACE
n STREET GRID CONNECTIVITY
n SAFE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS
n MAJOR TRAIL CONNECTIONS
n TRAIL MODE SEPARATION
n BIKE CONNECTIONS
` TRANSIT CONNECTIONS
` SHARED PARKING
n VISIBLE FRONTAGE
Wayfinding
n GATEWAYS
n PATH HIERARCHY
n SUPPORT FACILITIES
Zones
n NATURAL SYSTEM AREAS
n FLOODPLAINS
n INTENSIVE USE AREAS
n PROGRAMMABLE GATHERING SPACES
n RECREATION AREAS
` CASUAL USE SPACES
Features
` LOOP TRAIL
` IDENTITY FEATURES
n NATURAL OR HISTORIC FEATURES
TYPICAL AMENITIES
Passive Recreation
` MULTI-PURPOSE MEETING ROOMS
` PERFORMANCE SPACES
` CRAFTING / MAKER SPACES
Active Recreation
` GYMNASIUM
` WEIGHT / CARDIO ROOM
` INDOOR TRACK
` POOL / AQUATICS
n RECTANGULAR FIELDS
n DIAMOND FIELDS
n TENNIS COURTS
n VOLLEYBALL COURTS
Facilities
n SPECTATOR SEATING
` CONCESSIONS / CATERING KITCHEN
n SNACKS
DRAFT 3.4
Packet Pg. 151
Attachment: Classifications (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
120 / Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan
SPECIAL USE FACILITIES
Special use facilities are unique indoor/outdoor spaces
designed around a single use or activity. These facilities
provide residents with specific programs that may require
special gear, equipment, or building structures. Special use
facilities may be located within or adjacent to parks or be
standalone facilities.
Size
Varies
Length of Visit
Varies
Access
Special use facilities should be accessible by way of the city’s
sidewalks, low stress bicycle network, Transfort, and major
streets. Because they offer unique experiences, Special use
facilities draw people from a larger area and should have
appropriately sized on site parking.
EXISTING SPECIAL USE FACILITIES
CARNEGIE CENTER FOR CREATIVITY
CITY PARK POOL
CLUB TICO
EDORA POOL AND ICE CENTER
THE FARM
MULBERRY POOL
THE POTTERY STUDIO
The Pottery Studio is an
example of a Special Use
Recreation Facility
DRAFT 3.4
Packet Pg. 152
Attachment: Classifications (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan / 121
TYPICAL AMENITIES
Passive Recreation
m MULTI-PURPOSE MEETING ROOMS
m OUTDOOR EVENT SPACES
m CRAFTING / MAKER SPACES
Active Recreation
m GYMNASIUM
m WEIGHT / CARDIO ROOM
m INDOOR TRACK
m POOL / AQUATICS
m RECTANGULAR FIELDS
m DIAMOND FIELDS
m TENNIS COURTS
m VOLLEYBALL COURTS
Facilities
m SPECTATOR SEATING
m CONCESSIONS / CATERING KITCHEN
m SNACKS
DESIGN GUIDELINES
Design
n SYSTEMWIDE DESIGN LANGUAGE
n DESIGN VOCABULARY
Context
m MIXED-USE
m BUILDING FRONTAGE / ENTRANCE
m STREETSCAPE ENHANCEMENTS
Access and Connectivity
m SEAMLESS PUBLIC SPACE
m STREET GRID CONNECTIVITY
m SAFE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS
m MAJOR TRAIL CONNECTIONS
m TRAIL MODE SEPARATION
m BIKE CONNECTIONS
m TRANSIT CONNECTIONS
m SHARED PARKING
m VISIBLE FRONTAGE
Wayfinding
m GATEWAYS
m PATH HIERARCHY
m SUPPORT FACILITIES
Zones
m NATURAL SYSTEM AREAS
m FLOODPLAINS
m INTENSIVE USE AREAS
m PROGRAMMABLE GATHERING SPACES
m RECREATION AREAS
m CASUAL USE SPACES
Features
m LOOP TRAIL
m IDENTITY FEATURES
m NATURAL OR HISTORIC FEATURES
DRAFT 3.4
Packet Pg. 153
Attachment: Classifications (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
122 / Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan
AMENITIES COMMUNITY
PARKS
SCHOOL
PARKS
NEIGHBOR-
HOOD PARKS
URBAN
PARKS PLAZAS MINI PARKS
SPECIAL USE
PARKS
Passive Recreation
Seating —
Casual Use
Spaces —
Community
Gardens —
Internal
Walking Trails —
Unique
Landscape
Features
—
Natural
Spaces —
Active Recreation
Biking Trails —
Outdoor
Fitness/
Exercise
—
Creative Play
Attractions —
Large
Playgrounds —
Small
Playgrounds —
Rectangular
Fields —
Diamond
Fields —
Court Games —
Tennis Courts —
Volleyball
Courts —
Water Play —
Facilities
Dog Parks —
Individual
Picnic/Sitting
Areas
—
Group Picnic
Sitting Areas —
Park Shelters —
Outdoor
Event Spaces —
Restrooms —
SUMMARY OF TYPICAL AMENITIES BY
CLASSIFICATION
Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan / 123
RECREATION FACILITIES
AMENITIES COMMUNITY
CENTERS
NEIGHBORHOOD
CENTERS
INDOOR/
OUTDOOR
SPORTS COMPLEX
COURT/FIELD
CLUSTERS
SPECIAL USE
FACILITIES
Passive Recreation
Multi-Purpose
Meeting Rooms —
Performance
Spaces —
Crafting/Maker
Spaces —
Passive Recreation
Gymnasium —
Weight/Cardio
Rooms —
Indoor Track —
Indoor Pool/
Aquatics —
Rectangular Fields —
Diamond Fields —
Tennis Courts —
Volleyball Courts —
Passive Recreation
Spectator Seating —
Concessions /
Catering Kitchen —
Snacks —
DRAFT 3.4
Packet Pg. 155
Attachment: Classifications (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
124 / Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan
DESIGN GUIDELINES
The following design guidelines are meant to ensure that park and
recreation facility sites are well integrated into their surrounding
contexts and provide the best experiences for visitors. They address
site context, access and connectivity, wayfinding, and various use
zones within the site. The guidelines are intended to inform:
• the development of framework plans
• the periodic evaluation of parks and recreation facilities to
determine if they’re functioning as intended
• the design of refreshed or new parks
Following the list of design guidelines are diagrams showing how
they apply to a prototypical park of each classification.
DESIGN
System Wide Language
Use a consistent design language throughout the system.
Entry, wayfinding, and other signage; paths; and lighting should be
consistent from one park or recreation facility to another. Structures
and equipment in school parks, neighborhood parks, and mini parks
should also follow a consistent design language. Having a consistent
design language helps identify a park or recreation facility as being
part of the Fort Collins public space system and helps users feel
more comfortable visiting parks or recreation facilities they may be
unfamiliar with. Consistency does not, however, preclude unique
identity features.
Design Vocabulary
Ensure the vocabulary of design is appropriate for the scale and
materials of the landscape and existing infrastructure.
Particularly on larger sites, landscape and architectural design
elements should respond to the scale and aesthetic of their context.
CONTEXT
Mixed-Use
Ensure a mix of uses around parks and recreation facilities.
A mix of uses expands the user base, particularly at street
intersections where people are traveling in multiple directions and
encourages activity through a longer part of the day. The number
and mix of uses may vary by size, type, and location.
DRAFT 3.4
Packet Pg. 156
Attachment: Classifications (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan / 125
Building Frontage/Entrances
Ensure that buildings adjacent to and across the street from parks
and recreation facilities have frontages and entrances that face
them.
Buildings with active ground floor uses that front parks and
recreation facilities help frame the space and provide “eyes on the
park.” Such visibility from adjacent uses enhances the perception
of safety. Buildings entrances adjacent to a park or recreation
facility provide a built-in user-base. In addition, proximity to parks
and recreation facilities is correlated with higher property values—
benefiting property owners.
Streetscape Enhancements
Surround parks and recreation facilities with enhanced streetscapes.
Streets surrounding parks and recreation facilities should be treated
as extensions of those facilities. Trees, planters, rain gardens, and
other features provide a visual cue to all street users that a park
or recreation facility is nearby. Streetscape enhancements should
conform to Fort Collins’ Streetscape Standards.
ACCESS AND CONNECTIVITY
Seamless Public Space
Ensure seamless connections between parks and recreation facilities
and other adjacent public spaces.
Residents do not typically perceive differences between ownership,
but they do perceive differences in experiences and missing
connections. Barriers and breaks in access limit attractiveness and
viability. Regional ecosystems also do not observe jurisdictional
boundaries and must be thought of as integrated, functional
systems.
Street Grid Connectivity
Maintain physical and visual connections to the street grid.
Parks and recreation facilities should fit into the fabric of the
neighborhoods they are in. They should be sited to minimize
disruptions to the street grid, which is integral to a functional
transportation network. Where streets do not continue through a
park or recreation facility site, efforts should be made to maintain
physical and visual connections, such as gateways, or sight lines or
walking paths through the site, in line with those streets.
Safe Pedestrian Access
Ensure adequate sidewalks and safe pedestrian crossings.
While street frontage can encourage usage and increase safety, too
much vehicular traffic can deter pedestrians. Sidewalks and safe
crossings, whether at intersections or mid-block, encourage access
and allow pedestrians to feel comfortable that they are protected.
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Trail Connections
Maintain connections to the paved trail network.
Trail users can become park and recreation facility users. Parks and
recreation facilities can serve as trail heads, trail destinations, or
locations to stop and rest along a trail. They may also host critical
trail links, leading to a more connected system.
Trail Mode Separation
Separate trails into pedestrian and bicycle paths.
On larger sites, where there is space to separate faster-moving
bicycles and slower-moving pedestrians, splitting trails can reduce
conflicts while signaling to trail users that they are in a park or
recreation space.
Bike Connections
Maintain connections to the low stress bicycle network.
Where trail connections are not possible, the low stress bicycle
network can provide safe, easy routes for cyclists of all ages and
abilities to connect with parks and recreation facilities. Bicycle racks
and tune-up stations should be provided where possible to enable
and encourage bicycle access.
Transit Connections
Connect parks and recreation facilities to Transfort.
As with trails, transit users can become park and recreation facility
users and vice versa. Particular types of parks, such as plazas, may
relate directly to a transit station, providing a sense of place and
spaces to welcome and send off visitors.
Shared Parking
Pursue shared parking strategies to eliminate or reduce on-site
surface parking.
Particularly in higher density areas, where space is at a premium, and
where parks and recreation facilities abut each other or other public
facilities, on-site surface parking is difficult to justify. In addition to
on-street parking, shared parking may be a better option than losing
valuable on-site area to parking.
Visible Frontage
Ensure that parks and recreation facilities are visible from streets,
trails, and adjacent uses.
Being able to see what is going on within a park or recreation facility
can pique passersby’ interest and increase patronage.
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WAYFINDING
Gateways
Create gateway features at major entrances to parks and recreation
facilities.
Gateway features clearly indicate major entrances and signal to
visitors that they are welcome to enter. Architectural, landscape,
art, and/or signage features may be used to indicate a gateway. The
placement and design of gateway features can guide users to use
specific routes through park and recreation facility sites.
Path Hierarchy
Ensure on-site paths have a clear hierarchy.
Particularly within larger parks and recreation facility sites that have
multiple trails and paths, signage is important. Routes should be
clearly marked and categorized by length and difficulty so that users
can choose routes that meet their available time and skill levels.
Support Facilities
Provide areas for facilities that support the use of parks and
recreation facilities.
In order for parks and recreation facilities to function optimally,
it is necessary to include facilities, such as restrooms and water
fountains, to support their use. Appropriate support facilities may
vary by park or facility type.
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ZONES
Natural System Areas
Define areas that focus on the enhancement and function of natural
systems.
Natural environments, including habitat areas, woodlands, and
stream corridors are not always thought of as predominant
components of parks and recreation facilities. Yet, natural systems
do not stop at site boundaries. In addition, parks and recreation
facilities are the closest opportunities to interact with natural spaces
in some neighborhoods. Incorporating best stormwater management
practices, enhancing existing ecosystems, providing habitat, and
planting diverse landscapes and community gardens can maximize
the function of natural systems and enhance the user experience.
Floodplains
Avoid overbuilding in flood-prone areas.
The potential for inundation makes some uses more or less
compatible with floodplains. Healthy wetland ecologies and systems
should be prioritized and paths should be hardened in all floodplains,
while recreational assets should be minimized. Buildings in the 500-
year floodplain should be minimized, and they should be avoided in
the 100-year floodplain.
Intensive Use Areas
Design spaces that can accommodate intensive use.
Parks and recreation facilities may attract large numbers of users
due to the density of their surroundings, their integration into
pedestrian and bicycle travel routes, and their use as event and
gathering spaces. This high level of usage can impact the integrity
of the space. Areas that are expected to be heavily used—for
example, near entrances or gathering spaces—should be designed
to accommodate that use, perhaps incorporating more hardscape
areas or more resilient landscape plantings, but be designed to feel
comfortable even when large events are not occurring.
Programmable Spaces
Provide flexible open spaces that can be used as gathering spaces.
Parks and recreation facilities often serve as community gathering
spaces, from small get-togethers to large events. Areas should be
designed to be flexible enough to accommodate these events while
serving as space for informal play, picnicking, or other uses between
events. These spaces may include both paved and soft surfaces and
include amenities such as amphitheaters for performances.
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Recreation Areas
Provide areas and facilities that are specifically designed for
recreation and are responsive to the needs of surrounding
neighborhoods.
How parks and recreation facilities are used, and the degree to which
they are used, depends on how well they respond to the needs of
those who live near them. This may include both traditional and
unique facilities and spaces.
Casual Use Spaces
Provide areas that are specifically designed for casual, impromptu
use.
Just as important as programmed spaces are unprogrammed areas
intentionally designed for people to enjoy a park or recreation
facility without being displaced by programmed uses. Such casual
use spaces may include areas for sitting (e.g., seating, walls, steps),
picnicking, or playing a game of catch.
FEATURES
Loop Trail
Provide a loop trail for people to explore, circulate, and recreate.
Loop trails provide opportunities for people to see parts of a park
or recreation facility site that they may not otherwise be aware of.
When they are a specifically measured length, they allow users to
easily walk, jog, bike, or skate to a number of steps or miles they may
be targeting for exercise and wellness.
Identity Features
Incorporate features that can lend identity to a park or recreation
facility.
Much as gateways can use architectural, landscape, art, and/or
signage features to indicate access, the same types of features can
become a park or recreation facility’s signature. Decorative arches,
sculptures, or water fountains are examples of identity features that
may attract users and serve as landmarks for meeting people or
giving directions.
Natural or Historic Features
Preserve and enhance naturally or historically significant features.
Natural features, such as wetlands or groves, or historically
significant features, such as historic structures or routes, add
interest and preserve experiences that are rare or unique. These
features may become destinations themselves and attract local and
regional visitors and residents. Parks and recreation facilities with
naturally or historically significant features provide opportunities for
interpretation and education.
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GUIDELINE COMMUNITY
PARKS
SCHOOL
PARKS
NEIGHBOR-
HOOD PARKS
URBAN
PARKS PLAZAS MINI PARKS
SPECIAL USE
PARKS
Design
Systemwide
Design
Language
—
Design
Vocabulary —
Context
Mixed-Use —
Building
Frontage/
Entrances
—
Streetscape
Enhancements —
Access and Connectivity
Seamless
Public Space —
Street Grid
Connectivity —
Safe
Pedestrian
Access
—
Major Trail
Connections —
Trail Mode
Separation —
Bike
Connections —
Transit
Connections —
Shared
Parking —
Visible
Frontage —
Wayfinding
Gateways —
Path
Hierarchy —
Support
Facilities —
Zones
Natural
System Areas —
Floodplains —
Intensive Use
Areas —
Programmable
Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan / 131
GUIDELINE COMMUNITY
CENTERS
NEIGHBORHOOD
CENTERS
INDOOR/OUTDOOR
SPORTS
COMPLEXES
COURT/FIELD
CLUSTERS
SPECIAL USE
FACILITIES
Design
Systemwide
Design
Language
Design
Vocabulary
Context
Mixed-Use —
Building
Frontage/
Entrances
—
Streetscape
Enhancements —
Access and Connectivity
Seamless
Public Space —
Street Grid
Connectivity —
Safe
Pedestrian
Access
—
Major Trail
Connections —
Trail Mode
Separation —
Bike
Connections —
Transit
Connections —
Shared
Parking —
Visible
Frontage —
Wayfinding
Gateways —
Path
Hierarchy —
Support
Facilities —
Zones
Natural
System Areas —
Floodplains —
Intensive Use
Areas —
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PLAZA
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Policy Framework DRAFT 8/14/2020
Document Format: X. Goals
X.X. Actions
X.X.X. Methods
1. Provide equitable access to parks.
Fort Collins has a substantial network of parks where people can relax, exercise, socialize, and come
together for community events. A large majority (79%) of survey respondents felt that there are
sufficient public parks, natural areas, and open spaces within walking distance of their residence.
However, as Fort Collins continues to grow, the City will need to consider how to meet the needs of
existing and new residents. In addition, City Plan elevated Nature in the City’s goal to increase the
number of residents who have access to natural areas, parks, and/or open space within a 10-minute
walk of their home, reinforcing the need to close existing gaps and provide nature in areas planned
for intensification. As an integral component of the city’s public space system, providing access to
parks is one way to achieve the City Plan goal.
1.1. Expand the usability of existing parks.
Parks, like other built infrastructure, have a life cycle. Recreational preferences, design preferences, and
neighborhood demographics change over time. Periodically, parks must be evaluated to determine
whether they are meeting community needs and performing as well as they could be.
Implementation Lead: Park Planning & Development
Implementation Partners: Parks, Planning, Neighborhood Services, Natural Areas, Utilities, School
Districts
Consider potential connections and synergies of adjacent parks, recreation facilities, natural areas, stormwater
management lands, schools, trails, and complete streets to maximize user experience and benefits when
developing corridor, sub-area, or redevelopment plans.
Ensure that every park has a framework plan to identify the intended uses and in what areas of the park those
intended uses are meant to occur.
Comprehensively evaluate the design and function of parks every 10 years using this plan’s design guidelines
to determine if they need to be refreshed.
Develop master plans for all parks in need of a refresh.
Seek opportunities to enlarge or add space for community gardens and urban agriculture in parks.
1.2. Expand existing parks and secure new parkland, where possible, to serve growing and
underserved communities in established parts of the city.
In addition to newly developing parts of the city, Fort Collins is growing in established parts of the city.
Existing parks may not be sufficient in the future to meet the needs of additional residents in these areas.
Implementation Lead: Park Planning & Development
Implementation Partners: Planning, Utilities
Secure parks and public spaces envisioned in adopted plans—including the Downtown Plan, Downtown Civic
Center Plan, Midtown Plan, subarea plans, and corridor plans—and ensure they provide amenities that meet
neighborhood needs.
Tie parks and recreation facilities proposed in adopted plans to this plan’s park and recreation facility
classification system.
Purchase private properties adjacent to existing parks, when available and cost effective, to expand existing
parks.
Ensure that new parks provided by developers are accessible, usable, connected to city-wide public space
systems, and meet design and maintenance standards.
Reimagine City-owned stormwater utility sites as new and expanded parkland.
ATTACHMENT 5
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1.3. Continue to build new parks to serve newly developing parts of the city.
While a large majority (79%) of residents across Fort Collins said there are sufficient public parks, natural
areas, and open spaces within walking distance of their residence, this was not uniformly true of all parts
of the city. Only 59% of those who live in still-growing northeast Fort Collins felt the same way. When built,
previously proposed parks will go a long way toward serving developing parts of the city.
Implementation Lead: Park Planning & Development
Implementation Partners:
Complete future community and neighborhood parks that were proposed in the 2008 Parks and Recreation
Policy Plan.
Build additional parks in higher density areas that are outside a 10-minute walk to parks, natural areas, and
other public spaces.
1.4. Ensure access to spaces that are intentionally designed to support casual, impromptu
use.
As Fort Collins continues to grow, pressure will be put on existing parks to accommodate more users and
more uses. However, it is important to preserve and create spaces that can be used for relaxation,
reflection, and informal activities—spaces that are open and available, not programmed with activity. Such
spaces were the fourth most important type of outdoor amenity to residents’ household, behind only trails
and natural or habitat areas.
Implementation Lead: Park Planning & Development
Implementation Partners: Parks
1.5. Assess and augment the capacity of downtown parks and public spaces to accommodate
community events and festivals of various sizes.
With festivals and special events always dotting the public calendar, these activities have become part of
the culture of Fort Collins. It is no wonder, then, that residents identified festivals and special events as the
fourth most important type of program or activity to their households. As attendance grows, current event
spaces like Civic Center Park are unable to accommodate the crowds. Downtown continues to be a
preferred location for events due to synergies with restaurants and retail, multi-modal access, and a
central location.
Implementation Lead: Park Planning & Development
Implementation Partners: Neighborhood Services, Downtown Development Authority
Expand the use of festival streets and temporary street closures during events to provide flex space for
crowds.
Remove surface parking adjacent to Civic Center Park and Washington Park to expand these parks.
Examine the potential of parks near downtown, such as Lee Martinez Park or Old Fort Collins Heritage Park,
to function as festival and event spaces while staying true to the objectives of the Poudre River Downtown
Master Plan.
Consider the addition of an indoor/outdoor venue to host larger events, offer recreation opportunities, and
increase economic health.
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2. Provide equitable access to recreational experiences.
Fort Collins offers a wide array of programs in its parks and recreation facilities. While program
participation is high, it is highest in parts of the city that are closest to the Northside Aztlan
Community Center and Fort Collins Senior Center (above 60%) and lower in other parts of the city
(under 60%). Recreation preferences are not the same for everybody, and they continually change.
The City must keep an eye on local and national trends to ensure that recreation facilities and
programs offered continue to respond to residents’ needs. Residents indicated that aquatic facilities
and programs as well as exercise and fitness facilities and programs were very important to their
households.
2.1. Provide recreational amenities according to level of service standards.
Population-based and access standards for level of service can be used together as a tool to understand
how many of a particular amenity is needed in Fort Collins and where. The periodic evaluation of park and
recreation facility performance provides an opportunity to determine how well current amenities, and
access to them, relate to defined standards and residents’ needs.
Implementation Lead: Park Planning & Development (Outdoor facilities); Recreation (Indoor facilities)
Implementation Partners: Recreation, Parks
Construct the new southeast recreation center and consider two other community or recreation centers to
serve the community’s indoor recreation needs.
Identify opportunities during the periodic evaluation of parks to add or change recreation amenities or to
enhance access based on city-wide needs and resident input. (See also 1.1.2.)
Consider national and regional recreation trends, local demand, and projected usage and participation before
introducing new and innovative amenities.
Based on level of service, determine where to reduce duplication of services without reducing the overall
quality of service provided to the community.
Site new amenities in locations that are or will be made accessible by as many modes of transportation as
possible.
Consider renaming the Fort Collins Senior Center to more accurately reflect its role as a community center,
with a range of facilities and programming available to all adults.
2.2. Expand year-round usability of existing recreation facilities.
Changes in daylight hours and temperatures affect the usability of some outdoor recreation facilities over
the course of the year. This has the dual effect of suppressing participation in colder months and putting
greater pressure on facilities in warmer months. Expanding year-round usability could help distribute these
waves of usage and participation.
Implementation Lead: Parks
Implementation Partners: Recreation, Park Planning & Development
Develop a city-wide, objective lighting policy for parks and recreation facilities.
Consider the conversion of select existing fields to synthetic turf to extend usability.
Consider a new indoor court facility to meet local demand and level of service standards, as proposed in the
2019 Sports Facility Market and Feasibility Analysis.
Explore opportunities to provide all-season access to certain high use facilities through the use of temporary or
permanent structures.
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2.3. Strive for universal access.
Through its Adaptive Recreation Opportunities and Reduced Rate programs, the City offers inclusive,
transitional, and specialized programs that broaden access to recreation. Continuing this program and
continuing to design physical facilities that are welcoming to all users will move further towards achieving
universal access.
Implementation Lead: Recreation
Implementation Partners: Parks, Park Planning & Development
Continue the Adaptive Recreation Opportunities program
Incorporate new and creative recreation facilities and amenities, such as playgrounds, for universal access,
offering a variety of experiences where people of all abilities can interact.
2.4. Ensure facilities and programs continue to respond to changing user needs.
While traditional sports like basketball, golf, tennis, baseball, and soccer still attract large numbers of
participants, recreational preferences change over time. In the past five years, for example, pickleball has
been one of the fastest growing sports, with participation up more than 40%. Such trends have
implications for both facilities and programs. A degree of nimbleness is necessary to prepare for and
adjust to these trends.
Implementation Lead: Recreation
Implementation Partners: Park Planning & Development, Parks
Continue to monitor regional and national recreation trends and incorporate new and innovative recreation
facilities and programs to sustain community participation.
Evaluate opportunities to repurpose or expand the range of allowable uses of existing facilities before building
new, specialized facilities.
Promote and broaden the availability of facilities and programs to cater to diverse ages, interests, abilities, and
cultures.
Regularly evaluate program demand and adjust offerings.
Implement best practices in program life cycles to maintain a culture of quality program delivery.
Periodically evaluate each program’s participation, finances, and outcomes.
2.5. Promote public health and wellness through public spaces programming.
Nearly all (99%) residents of Fort Collins agree that parks, trails, recreation facilities, and programs
improve physical health and fitness. Fitness and wellness programs were the second highest priority
program for residents, and exercise and fitness equipment was the second highest priority for indoor
facilities.
Implementation Lead: Recreation
Implementation Partners: Community Services, Parks, Natural Areas
Enhance fitness, wellness, and healthy lifestyle programming.
Highlight the health and wellness benefits of recreation programs in informational materials.
Collaborate with local healthcare providers on a park prescription program.
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3. Expand the active transportation network to support access to parks and
recreation.
With more than 100 miles of paved and unpaved, multi-use trails throughout the city. Fort Collins is
one of only five communities awarded Platinum Bike Friendly Community status by the League of
American Bicyclists. The city has a strong network of cycling advocates and an active base of casual
cyclists, who use trails for both recreation and transportation. The recent introduction of e-bikes has
further grown the number of cyclists using Fort Collins’ trails.
3.1. Expand the network of paved, multi-use trails.
Nearly two-thirds of residents identified paved, multi-use trails as one of their top 4 most important outdoor
facilities—more than for any other outdoor facility. As Fort Collins continues to implement its Paved
Recreational Trail Master Plan (2013) and Bicycle Master Plan (2014), this plan can give guidance on
connections between trails, parks, and recreation.
Implementation Lead: Park Planning & Development
Implementation Partners: Parks, FC Moves
Continue to implement the recommendations of the Paved Recreational Trail Master Plan and the Bicycle
Master Plan.
Coordinate paved trail development with transportation and stormwater planning.
Ensure all existing and future community parks are connected to a major paved trail.
Evaluate opportunities to create better connections across or around current barriers, including major arterial
streets.
Coordinate trail expansion with surrounding communities and Larimer County.
Pursue agreements with irrigation ditch companies to allow trail access on or next to maintenance roads.
3.2. Increase safe routes to parks and recreation facilities.
In some parts of Fort Collins, parks and recreation facilities are a short distance away from residents as
the crow flies, but missing sidewalks and trails make them difficult to access on foot or by bicycle. Even
with adequate sidewalks and trails, some routes to parks and recreation facilities require pedestrians or
cyclists to cross major roads.
Implementation Lead: Park Planning & Development
Implementation Partners: FC Moves
Fill gaps in sidewalks and on-street bicycle facilities that connect parks and recreation facilities to
neighborhoods, schools, transit, and other facilities.
Consider the use of signalization, signal prioritization, pedestrian refuges, grade separation, and other
techniques where trails cross wide and heavily trafficked roadways.
3.3. Ensure trails function for a range of recreational and transportation users.
Trails in Fort Collins have seen usage grow as the city has grown. With growth comes more potential for
conflicts between different types of users—between cyclists, skateboarders, pedestrians, and runners who
move at different speeds; between those using e-bikes vs. traditional bicycles; between users of varying
skill levels; and between those using trails for recreational purposes and those using trails as quick modes
of transportation.
Implementation Lead: Park Planning & Development
Implementation Partners: Parks, Transportation
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Promote trail education and etiquette for both skilled and novice users with signage or the development of a
“learn to ride” area for trails added onto the Walk & Wheel Skills Hub.
Collaborate with regional partners to develop regional trail wayfinding standards, complementary to the city’s
existing wayfinding standards, that address hierarchy, destinations, landmarks, identity, and congestion for
both recreational and transportation users, and to be more accessible to novice and non-English-speaking
users.
Use striping on major trails to separate traffic moving in opposite directions, where appropriate.
Ensure paved trails are wide enough for passing and that there is enough space alongside trails to pull over.
Where widening of trails is not possible to meet demand due to physical, environmental, or other constraints,
consider the development of parallel trail and complete street corridors.
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4. Protect and enhance natural, historic, and cultural resources in parks and
increase related activities.
Natural, historic, and cultural resources are irreplaceable assets. More than half (52%) of survey
respondents identified natural areas and wildlife habitat as outdoor facilities important for their
households—behind only trails—and nearly half (44%) identified nature-based recreation as
important programs and activities—the highest of any type of program or activity.
4.1. Integrate natural resources and natural resource interpretation into the design of parks.
In Fort Collins, the Natural Areas Department acquires and manages natural areas specifically to protect
natural resources. Yet, natural systems do not stop at property boundaries. Natural resources within
parks, including stream corridors, plant communities, and wildlife, will be treated as vital assets, with
enhanced care and better integration into park design.
Implementation Lead: Park Planning & Development
Implementation Partners: Parks, Natural Areas
Promote the planting, preservation, and maintenance of canopy trees.
Emphasize native and xeric plants over mowed lawn and paved paths in areas that are conducive to this
approach.
Increase the ecological value of parks by preserving and integrating native plants and plants with high
pollinator value.
Add interpretive signage within parks to highlight their natural resources and the benefits they provide.
Explore opportunities to use public art to interpret natural resources.
4.2. Develop and promote nature-based education, recreation, and training programs.
Nature-based programs offer participants new and continued ways to connect with nature and appreciate
the value of natural resources. This builds advocacy across ages. Currently, the Recreation Department
and the Natural Areas Department each offer nature-based programs, using different methods of
promoting the programs and different pricing structures. This results in confusion for users.
Implementation Lead: Recreation
Implementation Partners: Natural Areas
Offer nature-based education programs that cater to different age groups, including young children, teens,
adults, and seniors.
Coordinate nature-based programs across departments to avoid duplication of offerings and competition.
Consider charging at least a nominal fee for nature-based programs to increase the likelihood that those who
register attend.
4.3. Optimize the care of natural resources across parks and natural areas.
The Parks and Natural Areas Departments each have responsibility over defining the standard of care of
natural resources within the properties they maintain. While there is often knowledge sharing between the
departments, each has its own approach in caring for natural resources on City-owned property, even
when natural resources function as a system across property boundaries.
Implementation Lead: Parks
Implementation Partners: Natural Areas
Create a shared manual for the care and maintenance of plantings and habitat areas across City-owned
properties.
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4.4. Capitalize on historic and cultural resources, themes, and stories in parks and recreation
facilities.
Whether preserving important sites or architecture, as at Library Park, incorporating themes from Fort
Collins’ history, as with the playground at Twin Silo Park, or telling stories about neighborhood change
and development, as at Sugar Beet Park, parks and recreation facilities provide a setting for learning
about, appreciating, and interacting with unique cultural stories.
Implementation Lead: Park Planning & Development
Implementation Partners: Parks, Cultural Services, Neighborhood Services
Continue to include historical and cultural interpretative elements in new and existing parks and recreation
facilities.
Identify critical historic and cultural resources that may need protection and have potential educational and
interpretive components.
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5. Enhance the financial sustainability of parks and recreation.
The City strives to use taxpayer dollars wisely. While the Parks and Recreation Departments have
stretched operational budgets to maintain existing parks, recreation facilities, and other city
infrastructure, additional capital and operational funding is needed to ensure all parks and recreation
facilities continue to provide the level of experience that residents seek. A full range of funding needs
include day-to-day operations and maintenance costs as well as capital costs for replacing individual
park and recreation amenities at the end of their lifecycles, refreshing existing parks, and building
new parks in both growing and established parts of the city.
5.1. Secure sufficient funding to develop, maintain, and program parks and recreation facilities
as well as enhanced infrastructure.
The operation of parks and recreation facilities comes primarily from the city’s general fund, which is
heavily dependent on sales tax revenue. Construction of new parks in growing parts of Fort Collins comes
primarily from capital expansion fees. While these fees are meant to offset the cost of providing services
to new development, they have not kept pace with actual construction costs, due to both increased costs
of construction and higher quality facilities designed to meet residents’ evolving needs. New recreation
facilities and park upgrades in established parts of the city rely on bond funding, such as the Building on
Basics program. However, Building on Basics does not provide adequate capital funding for long-term
asset management of recreation and park facilities Two thirds of survey respondents indicated they would
be supportive of an increase in taxes to fund the types of parks, trails, and recreation facilities that are
most important to them.
Implementation Lead: Community Services
Implementation Partners: Parks, Recreation, Park Planning & Development, Finance
Regularly adjust capital improvement expansion fees to cover the costs of building new neighborhood and
community parks.
Explore the potential for a new capital improvement expansion fee for recreation facilities.
Identify a dedicated funding stream for capital investments in existing parks and recreation facilities.
Identify a funding source to support park construction and the expansion of parks and recreation facilities in
established parts of the city.
5.2. Consider and budget for both up-front and ongoing costs and benefits in maintenance
and capital budgeting.
Building capital projects is necessary to provide the public services that residents expect. It is seen as a
sign of progress. While some capital investments come with a warranty period, all capital investments
inevitably require maintenance and replacement.
Implementation Lead: Community Services
Implementation Partners: Finance, Parks, Recreation, Park Planning & Development, Environmental
Services
Identify life cycles and set maintenance schedules and standards for assets and capital facilities at the time
they are approved.
Plan for increases in operations and maintenance budgets for the Parks and Recreation Departments
commensurate with additional assets and capital facilities that they are required to operate and maintain (e.g.,
enhanced infrastructure).
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5.3. Continue to generate revenue from parks, recreation facilities, and programs that can be
reinvested back into these assets.
The Recreation Department currently recovers in revenue about 58% of what it spends on operations,
more than twice the national median for agencies serving cities with a similar population density.
Implementation Lead: Recreation
Implementation Partners: Parks, Neighborhood Services
Regularly update recreational fees and charges based on a defined pricing and cost recovery philosophy.
Continue to set cost recovery targets for each program area based on costs, the degree to which it provides a
public benefit, and market competition.
Evaluate the use of additional pricing strategies—including by residency, day of week, time of day—to
increase cost recovery.
Expand the offering or permitting of concessions in community parks, at trailheads, and at special events in
parks and recreation facilities.
Pursue additional revenue from weddings and other events that rent park and recreation facility spaces.
Expand capacity to proactively set revenue goals, seek revenue generating opportunities, provide a point of
contact for those looking to rent public spaces for events, and liaise with the City’s overall special events office
and the visitor center for the entire Community Services service area.
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6. Strengthen partnerships to leverage resources for mutual benefit.
Residents of Fort Collins benefit from having access to amenities provided by the City and other
entities, including Larimer County and the Poudre School District. In an era of limited resources,
partnerships can help deliver more efficient and effective services. By strengthening existing
partnerships and identifying new partners, the City can leverage its resources to make limited funding
stretch further. Important to these partnerships are finding common goals, such that each partner
benefits from the arrangement and formalizing agreements to hold each partner accountable.
6.1. Strengthen partnerships between city departments.
While each city department has specialized expertise core to its responsibilities, departmental silos can
also lead to duplication of effort and inefficiency in achieving policy goals. There is particular opportunity at
the service area level for departments to work together to achieve common goals. These collaborations
should be formalized to endure staff changes.
Implementation Lead: Community Services
Implementation Partners: Park Planning & Development, Parks, Recreation, Natural Areas, Utilities
Enable opportunities for joint projects among the Park Planning & Development, Parks, Recreation, Natural
Areas, and Utilities Departments.
Develop consistent asset management systems across the Community Services service area.
Consider consolidating existing department-level marketing, communication, and partnership functions at the
Community Services service area level. (9.1.1.)
Consolidate existing department-level budgeting and finance functions at the Community Services service
area level.
Request boards and commissions to consider and support multi-benefit projects.
6.2. Formalize and strengthen partnerships with other major providers of parks, recreation
facilities, and programs in Fort Collins and the North Front Range.
Though the City of Fort Collins is the largest provider of parks, recreation facilities, and programs in Fort
Collins, the full set of experiences currently available to residents is dependent on other providers. For
example, the City of Fort Collins owns roughly half of all public playgrounds and fields in the city, while the
Poudre School District owns the other half, and Larimer County is building ice facilities that will alleviate
local demand.
Implementation Lead: Parks
Implementation Partners: Recreation, Poudre School District, Thompson School District, CSU, Larimer
County
Develop formal intergovernmental agreements with the Poudre School District and the Thompson School
District to ensure open access to playgrounds, fields, and park areas on school property when school is not in
session.
Formalize cooperative maintenance agreements with the Poudre School District and the Thompson School
District that address where and to what standards the City and the districts will operate on each other’s
property.
Collaborate with CSU, the Poudre School District, and the Thompson School District to understand the
recreational needs of students and to explore joint-use facilities.
Coordinate with Larimer County and surrounding communities on the provision of recreational facilities, such
as ice rinks, to prevent duplication.
Pursue agreements with irrigation ditch companies to allow trail access on or next to maintenance roads.
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6.3. Regularly revise or create partnership agreements to ensure fair and equitable
relationships.
Successful partnerships are borne of clear responsibilities and mutual benefit. As circumstances change,
partnership agreements may need to be updated to accurately reflect roles and responsibilities.
Implementation Lead: Community Services
Implementation Partners: Parks, Recreation
Develop a guide to partnership agreements to help organizations navigate the process of becoming a partner.
Assign a staff liaison for each partner to improve communication and collaboration.
Track and regularly share information and measurable outcomes of partnership agreements.
6.4. Support and strengthen volunteer programs for parks, recreation, and trails.
Volunteers play an important role in supporting and caring for parks, recreation, and trails. The City will
continue to seek ways to make it easy for volunteers to engage.
Implementation Lead: Community Services
Implementation Partners: Parks, Recreation, Human Resources
Regularly update volunteer position descriptions and durations.
Look for strategies to improve on the recruitment of volunteers.
Promote and encourage “Adopt-a-“ programs (e.g., Adopt-a-Park, Adopt-a-Field, Adopt-a-Trail).
Encourage volunteer days with companies, institutions, non-profits, and other large organizations.
Encourage volunteerism through citywide events.
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7. Ensure parks, paved trails, and recreation facilities are operated and
maintained efficiently and to defined standards.
Maintenance standards and operations procedures help ensure that the City is maintaining similar
facilities efficiently and at the same level.
7.1. Ensure maintenance standards are clear and consistently implemented.
Through site analysis and stakeholder interviews, it was reported that similar spaces are maintained to
different standards. At the same time, each department has particular expertise in maintaining certain
landscapes and facilities. Clarifying and regularizing maintenance standards will ensure high-quality
spaces exist equitably across the entire public space network.
Implementation Lead: Parks
Implementation Partners: Recreation, Natural Areas, Operation Services, Utilities
Encourage cross-departmental knowledge sharing and training on maintenance practices.
Develop unified standards across the departments that manage the city’s public spaces for maintaining similar
types of spaces and facilities.
Define and regularly update maintenance standards for each park and recreation facility classification, taking
into account usage and visibility.
Consider assignment of maintenance responsibilities across departments and property lines to cater to each
department’s strengths and knowledgebase, increase efficiency, and enhance the user experience.
Identify opportunities to share maintenance responsibilities with partner organizations and groups for
efficiency, using formalized agreements.
Ensure maintenance safety checklists include obstacles to universal access.
7.2. Strengthen sustainability policies and practices.
Changing environmental conditions and resource consumption have a direct impact on natural resources.
By strengthening sustainability policies, the public space system can lead by example to preserve and
conserve natural resources and serve as a model for other organizations and residents.
Implementation Lead: Parks
Implementation Partners: Recreation, Natural Areas, Operation Services, Environmental Services, Park
Planning & Development
Target waste reduction, recycling, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, reduced energy usage, reduced water
consumption, and light pollution for increasing sustainable practices.
Take climate change predictions into account in the design of parks and facilities and in maintenance and
operations practices.
Continue to identify sustainable water sources for irrigation.
Conduct pilot projects to test effectiveness for citywide usage.
Continue to emphasize native and water-wise plants over non-native species.
Remove invasive species.
Use environmentally friendly products (e.g., cleaners and chemical treatments) where feasible.
Provide training for staff on how to include sustainability in evaluating costs and benefits.
Develop outreach and education programs on sustainable practices.
Pursue environmental certification of parks and facilities.
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8. Promote the synergy between parks, recreation, and economic health.
Parks, trails, and recreation facilities provide tremendous value beyond being places for reflection,
connection with nature, and physical activity. Nearly all (97%) of residents in Fort Collins feel that
parks, paved trails, recreation facilities, and programs are important to the city’s identity. Parks, trails,
and recreation facilities attract residents, businesses, and tourists alike. Studies have consistently
shown that proximity to high quality parks and recreation facilities contributes to higher property
values. In Colorado, outdoor recreation generates over $13 billion in consumer spending every year.1
8.1. Provide amenities for residents while unlocking recreation tourism potential.
As the City looks to leverage parks and recreation as economic drivers, the primary focus should continue
to be on serving the residents of Fort Collins. The City’s Sports Facility Market and Feasibility Analysis
(2019) sparked conversations about the inability of tourism dollars to offset the cost of building facilities
that are primarily for tournaments and events. However, the focus should be on building facilities primarily
to meet the needs of residents, but which due to their secondary use for tournaments and events can
have a share of costs offset by tourism dollars.
Implementation Lead: Recreation
Implementation Partners: Visit Fort Collins, Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce
Revisit and reframe the added tourism benefits of parks and recreation facilities built primarily to meet
residents’ needs—including event spaces and sports complexes.
Support the development of city-wide tourist infrastructure—including hotel rooms and food and beverage
establishments—near parks and recreation facilities.
Collaborate with Visit Fort Collins, the Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce, and other organizations to market
parks and recreation facilities as destinations for residents and visitors from the city, region, and beyond.
8.2. Encourage new park- and recreation-oriented development or redevelopment to capitalize
on the economic value of parks, trails, and recreation facilities.
Parks, trails, and recreation facilities are increasingly valuable for surrounding property values, providing a
boost to both residential and commercial areas. These amenities are also essential to attracting
businesses and talent.
Implementation Lead: Park Planning & Development
Implementation Partners: Planning
Guide developers during the development review process to ensure development interfaces with adjacent
parks, trails, and recreation facilities.
Develop land use, subarea plans, and corridor plans that encourage park- and recreation-oriented
development or redevelopment.
Pursue public-private partnerships for mutual benefit and to stretch public dollars.
1 Outdoor
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9. Improve marketing and communication to enhance operations and user
satisfaction.
Successful parks, trails, recreation facilities, and programs hinge on user awareness, enthusiasm,
and participation. The City should continue to improve its ongoing engagement and communication
practices by considering a more holistic strategy and additional outreach tactics to more equitably
inform and get feedback from a broad spectrum of existing and potential users.
9.1. Promote parks and recreation as part of a unified public space system.
There is currently no unified map or informational resource to understand all components of Fort Collins’
public space system—parks, paved and unpaved trails, recreation facilities, natural areas, stormwater
management areas, and community gardens. While residents may have their favorite parks or natural
areas that they visit, having separate informational resources precludes an understanding of how these
resources are all physically connected—that one may be able to walk or ride their bike between
resources—or the full array of programs offered by various city departments.
Implementation Lead: Community Services
Implementation Partners: Parks, Recreation, Park Planning & Development, Natural Areas, Streets,
Utilities, School Districts
Consider consolidating existing department-level marketing and communication functions at the Community
Services service area level. (6.1.3.)
Create new maps and guides with a universal graphic style for parks, trails, recreation facilities, and natural
areas.
9.2. Update and develop new marketing and communication materials that increase
awareness and highlight the benefits of parks, trails, recreation facilities, and programs.
Nearly a third (33%) of survey respondents indicated that they do not use parks and recreation facilities or
programs because they do not know where to go or what is offered. The two methods they indicated they
would most prefer to learn about parks, recreation programs, activities, and events are the Recreator
(48%) and the City’s website (32%).
Implementation Lead: Community Services
Implementation Partners: Parks, Recreation, Park Planning & Development, Natural Areas, Cultural
Services
Ensure communication materials and signage use consistent language to refer to parks and facilities of
different classifications.
Develop materials that communicate the full range of facilities and experiences available across the city to all
residents, workers, and visitors.
Highlight the environmental, social, economic, and wellness benefits of parks, trails, recreation facilities, and
programs.
Highlight facilities with natural and historic resources in marketing materials.
Communicate the availability of physically and financially accessible facilities and programs.
Ensure materials are written in relatable language and are accessible to non-English speakers and the visually
impaired.
Explore expanded use of technology and digital platforms to disseminate information about parks, recreation,
and trails and to enhance the user experience.
9.3. Regularly measure and report on the progress of Master Plan implementation.
The momentum of engagement achieved through the process of developing the Master Plan should
continue through its implementation. Both small and large achievements should be celebrated as steps
toward achieving this plan’s vision.
Implementation Lead: Community Services
Implementation Partners: Parks, Recreation, Park Planning & Development
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9.4. Engage users, partners, and staff in the planning, development, programming, and
maintenance of parks and recreation facilities.
Collaborative engagement among users, partners, and staff can bring to light mutual desires and
expectations. Lines of communication should not only be used for major planning and capital projects but
remain open on an ongoing basis to create feedback loops and improve user experiences.
Implementation Lead: Community Services
Implementation Partners: Parks, Recreation, Park Planning & Development, Natural Areas
Conduct a needs assessment, including a statistically valid survey and level of service analysis, at least every
5 years.
Use inclusive, transparent, and creative engagement practices that encourage participation by all community
members.
Engage users on an ongoing basis to evaluate the success of parks, trails, recreation facilities, and programs
to establish a meaningful feedback loop between the City and residents.
Proactively engage communities adjacent to parks and recreation facilities about the benefits of programs and
facilities to inspire users to participate more often.
Engage communities in the master planning of new or refreshed parks and recreation facilities.
Monitor and evaluate trends in engagement tools and platforms that can increase users’ interaction with the
City.
Use online and social media regularly to inform and solicit feedback from residents.
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10. Elevate the design of and connection to nature in parks and recreation
facilities.
Design excellence enhances wellness, ecosystem services, and function. From the earliest stages of
project development, it is important to consider how a project can be beautiful and multi-functional
while addressing multiple needs of adjacent communities. Design excellence requires an attention to
quality of built structures, landscape typology, and the way buildings and landscapes interact with
each other. Integrating artists and designers early in the process can help lead to design excellence.
Elevating the quality of design of parks and recreation facilities will also serve to elevate the level of
design across Fort Collins.
10.1. Develop a unified design language for parks and recreation facilities that is flexible
enough to allow for individualized park identities.
Though design evolves over time, through changing preferences, the availability of materials, and more
informed practices, it is possible to use plantings, color, materiality, and other devices to achieve a
cohesion that allows users to immediately identify that they are in a Fort Collins park or recreation facility.
Implementation Lead: Park Planning & Development
Implementation Partners: Parks, Recreation
Identify elements, such as paths, signage, lighting, trash receptacles, and picnic tables, that can be
standardized across all parks and recreation facilities to increase efficiency and create a cohesive identity.
Standardize the design language of structures and equipment across school parks, neighborhood parks, mini
parks, and urban parks.
Develop a design framework for community parks and recreation facilities that is cohesive but flexible enough
to allow for individual identities.
10.2. Strive for design excellence in the development and refresh of parks and recreation
facilities.
Though more recent parks, such as Fossil Creek Community Park, Twin Silo Community Park, and Sugar
Beet Park have elevated the level of design, many of Fort Collins’ parks and recreation facilities feel
frozen in time—meticulously maintained as they were when they were built. Refreshes of parks and
recreation facilities will provide an opportunity to not just replace individual elements in kind but to
reimagine their design to increase usability; environmental, social, and economic benefits; and aesthetic
appeal.
Implementation Lead: Park Planning & Development
Implementation Partners: Parks, Recreation
Use this plan’s design guidelines as a reference in designing or refreshing parks and recreation facilities.
Study and visit award winning parks and recreation facilities to keep up to date on successful design solutions.
Partner with local and nationally recognized designers to add different design perspectives.
Incorporate best practices in park and recreation planning, design, and operation from other park systems.
Pursue state and national awards from organizations such as the Colorado Parks & Recreation Association
(CPRA), the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the
American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), and the American Planning Association (APA).
10.3. Promote the planting, preservation, and maintenance of canopy trees and native
vegetation on public and private land. (See 4.1.)
Natural resources within and outside of parks, including stream corridors, plant communities, and wildlife,
should not only be preserved but actively enhanced.
Implementation Lead: Parks
Implementation Partners: Park Planning & Development, Natural Areas
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10.4. Incorporate public art, including landscape-based art and functional art, into parks and
recreation facilities.
In alignment with FoCo Creates and the Art in Public Places programs, public art can enhance the
experience in parks and recreation facilities. Public art can tell stories, reveal histories, and provide
opportunities for whimsy or reflection. Involving artists in the design process can ensure that public art
works with, rather than detracts from, the user experience.
Implementation Lead: Park Planning & Development
Implementation Partners: Parks, Cultural Services
Develop a master plan for art in parks that addresses selection of artists, provision of design parameters for
artists, and other guidance specific to working with artists on park and recreation projects in order to enrich the
user experience.
Integrate public art design and installation timelines with overall park and recreation facility design and
construction timelines.
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11. Continue to enhance safety and security in all parks and facilities.
Concern about safety, whether real or perceived, keeps some residents from using parks and
recreation facilities.
11.1. Ensure adequate “eyes on the street” around and in parks and facilities.
The most effective way to improve the perception of safety and reduce the incidence of crime is to support
a visible community presence in parks and recreation facilities. The more parks and recreation facilities
are used by the community, the more “eyes on the street” there are and the less inviting they are to
unwanted activities.
Implementation Lead: Parks
Implementation Partners: Park Planning & Development, Planning
Expand the park ranger program.
Develop a Park Ambassador program akin to the Natural Areas Volunteer Ranger Assistant program to
increase resident presence and encourage rule enforcement in parks.
Encourage new development to face, rather than turn its back, to parks and recreation facilities.
Work to avoid or eliminate “backs” of parks and recreation facilities.
11.2. Update guidelines and policies on safety and security.
The City should clarify the ways it intends to combat safety concerns, whether though people-based
approaches or through design-based approaches. Almost a quarter (23%) of survey respondents
indicated that they do not use parks, recreation facilities, or programs because of people experiencing
homelessness there.
Implementation Lead: Parks
Implementation Partners: Park Planning & Development, Homeward Alliance
Incorporate Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles into design standards.
Provide safety training for all staff who work in parks and recreation facilities.
Collaborate with the Homeward Alliance to connect those in parks who are experiencing homelessness to
available resources and services.
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Programmable
Gathering
Spaces
—
Recreation
Areas —
Casual Use
Spaces —
Features
Loop Trail —
Identity
Features —
Natural or
Historic
Features
—
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Gathering
Spaces
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Recreation
Areas —
Casual Use
Spaces —
Features
Loop Trail —
Identity
Features —
Natural or
Historic
Features
—
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m RESTROOMS
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` RESTROOMS
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` RESTROOMS
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n RESTROOMS*
*Restrooms in urban parks will require additional
maintenance.
DRAFT 3.4
Packet Pg. 137
Attachment: Classifications (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
n RESTROOMS
*Practice fields only
DRAFT 3.4
Packet Pg. 135
Attachment: Classifications (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
n NATURAL OR HISTORIC FEATURES
*Preferably provided, through partnership agreement, by
allowing access to school restrooms
DRAFT 3.4
Packet Pg. 133
Attachment: Classifications (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
n RESTROOMS
The vegetable garden at Twin Silo
Community Park reflects the agricultural
heritage of Fort Collins, which influenced
the park’s identity.
DRAFT 3.4
Packet Pg. 131
Attachment: Classifications (Draft) (9387 : Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
contributions/makes
expenditures in an
aggregate amount
between $200 and
$5000
Issue Committee (1) Two (2) or more persons who are elected, appointed or chosen, or have associated themselves, for the purpose of
accepting contributions or making expenditures to support or oppose any ballot issue or ballot question; or
(2) Any person that has accepted contributions for the purpose of supporting or opposing any ballot issue or ballot
question.
Issue committee shall not include small-scale issue committees as otherwise defined in this Section.
Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Person making an
Independent
Expenditure
Independent expenditure means the payment of money by any person for the purpose of advocating the election, defeat
or recall of a candidate, which expenditure is not controlled by, or coordinated with, any candidate or any agent of such
candidate. Independent expenditure includes expenditures for political messages which unambiguously refer to any
specific public office or candidate for such office. Independent expenditure also includes the payment of money by any
person for supporting or opposing a ballot issue or ballot question that is not controlled by, or coordinated with, an issue
committee or a small-scale issue committee. Independent expenditure shall include, but not be limited to,
advertisements placed for a fee on another person's website or advertisement space provided for no fee or a reduced
fee where a fee ordinarily would have been charged.
Independent expenditure shall not include:
(1) Expenditures made by persons in the regular course and scope of their business and political messages sent solely
to their members;
(2) Expenditures made by small-scale issue committees; or
(3) Any news articles, editorial endorsements, opinion or commentary writings, or letters to the editor printed in a
newspaper, magazine or other periodical not owned or controlled by the candidate, or communications other than
advertisements posted or published on the internet for no fee.
No Yes
When expenditures
total in the
aggregate more
than $250
No No Yes Yes
When expenditures
total in the
aggregate more
than $250
Person means any individual, partnership, committee, association, corporation, labor organization or other organization or group of persons.
2.3
Attachment: Political Committees Memo (9410 : Election Code Changes)
2.3
Packet Pg. 57
Attachment: Political Committees Memo (9410 : Election Code Changes)
2.3
Packet Pg. 56
Attachment: Political Committees Memo (9410 : Election Code Changes)
2.3
Packet Pg. 55
Attachment: Political Committees Memo (9410 : Election Code Changes)
ATTACHMENT 3
City Attorney’s Office
300 Laporte Avenue
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6520
970.221.6327
fcgov.com
City Clerk
300 LaPorte Avenue
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6515
fcgov.com/cityclerk
2.3
Packet Pg. 54
Attachment: Political Committees Memo (9410 : Election Code Changes)
• Healthy Larimer
Committee
• Non-profit
partners
• Residents with
limited-English
proficiency
• Low-income
and/or cost-
burdened
residents
• Students
1.2
Packet Pg. 16
Attachment: Housing Strategic Plan / Home2Health Community Engagement Plan- Year Two (9389 : Housing Strategic Plan)